For individuals on Social Security, a surprise awaits in September: they’ll be receiving two benefits payments. This isn’t due to an oversight. This double disbursement arises from an atypical adjustment in the payment timeline, a phenomenon seen twice already this year.
In September, the Social Security Administration is set to release two Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. These are directed towards seniors over 65 who qualify, as well as certain adults and kids with defined disabilities or vision challenges. Payments will be made both at the onset and the close of September.
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This means SSI beneficiaries will get their usual benefits, but in a different manner: two separate payments in September and none in the subsequent month, October. For most, based on their birth dates, Social Security payments for retirement, disability, or survivors are processed on the second, third, or fourth Wednesdays of every month. Contrastingly, those on SSI generally receive theirs at the start of the month, except when it coincides with a federal holiday or weekend.
In such scenarios, the SSI payment gets shifted to the last workday prior and returns to its regular timeline the following month. Given that the first day of October is on a Sunday this year, beneficiaries will receive the October payment on September 29th, on top of the regular deposit.
Subsequently, they can look forward to the next SSI allocation on November 1, aligning with the 2023 schedule.
Interestingly, this isn’t a singular occurrence this year. March and June also saw dual SSI disbursements, and the trend is slated to continue in December, leading to a payment hiatus in January 2024.
For those drawing from both Social Security and SSI or those who started their claims before May 1997, they usually see their regular payment on the month’s third day, with the SSI coming on the first. Therefore, in October, these recipients should anticipate their funds on October 3. Importantly, beneficiaries tied to another’s account, such as spouses and children, will have the same payment date as the primary holder.