If you or someone you know is getting Social Security benefits, it’s important to stay updated on the latest information. Social Security helps people who are retired, disabled, or the families of people who have passed away. This article will explain when you can expect your payments, recent changes in how benefits are determined, and what to do if your payment is late.
What Is Social Security?
Social Security is a program run by the government that gives money to people who are retired, disabled, or who have lost a loved one who worked and paid into the system. This money helps people have an income when they’re older or if they can’t work because of a disability.
Who Can Get Social Security Benefits?
Several groups of people can get Social Security benefits:
- Individuals over 65 years old: Older adults who are retired.
- People with disabilities: Those who can’t work because of a disability.
- Surviving family members: Family members of someone who has died and had Social Security.
- Adults and children with disabilities: Individuals of all ages with disabilities.
- Individuals over 65 who qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI): People who are older and meet specific income requirements.
How Much Money Can You Get?
For 2024, the maximum monthly payment for SSI is:
- $943 for an individual.
- $1,415 for a couple.
When Will You Get Paid?
Payments for SSI are made on the first of each month. However, if the first is a Friday or a holiday, payments are made on the last business day before the first. For example, payments for June are made on the last day of May.
For retirement benefits, when you get paid depends on your birthday:
- If your birthday is in the first 10 days of the month, you get paid on the second Wednesday.
- If your birthday is between the 11th and 20th, you get paid on the third Wednesday.
- If your birthday is after the 20th, you get paid on the fourth Wednesday.
Special Case for Long-term Beneficiaries
If you’ve been getting retirement benefits since before May 1997, you receive your payments on the third of every month, no matter when your birthday is.
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| What are Social Security benefits? | Payments from the government to support retired individuals, people with disabilities, or surviving family members. |
| Who qualifies for Social Security benefits? | – Individuals over 65 years old – People with disabilities – Surviving family members of deceased workers – Adults and children with disabilities – Individuals over 65 qualifying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) |
| How much can I receive in Social Security benefits in 2024? | Maximum monthly SSI payment: – $943 for an individual – $1,415 for a couple |
| When will Social Security payments be made in 2024? | – SSI payments: First of each month or last business day before the first if it’s a Friday or holiday. – Retirement benefits: Based on birthday: – Second Wednesday if birthday is in the first 10 days – Third Wednesday if birthday is between 11th and 20th – Fourth Wednesday if birthday is after 20th |
| What should I do if I don’t receive my payment on time? | Wait three working days before contacting the SSA to allow for processing delays. |
| Are there any recent changes to Social Security benefits for 2024? | SSA has removed outdated job titles from the list used to determine benefit eligibility, making it easier to qualify. |
| What if I receive both SSI and retirement benefits? | You will receive two separate payments on different days. |
| How can I contact the SSA if I have issues with my benefits? | Contact the SSA via their official website, by phone, or by visiting a local SSA office. Have personal information ready. |
Separate Payments for SSI and Retirement
If you qualify for both SSI and retirement benefits, you will get two separate payments on different days.
Disabled Workers and Their Dependents
In 2023, disabled workers and their dependents received 11% of all Social Security benefits.
What to Do If Your Payment Is Late
If you don’t get your payment when you expect it, the Social Security Administration (SSA) advises waiting three working days before reaching out to them.
Recent Updates to Benefit Determinations
The SSA has recently updated its guidelines by removing outdated or rarely used job titles from its list used to determine benefits. Over 100 jobs have been removed from the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, making it easier for some people to qualify for benefits.
SSA’s Efforts to Improve the System
The SSA is working to make its programs more current and efficient. They aim to consider only the most relevant jobs when deciding if someone can work in other areas. This is to help ensure that the system is fair and up-to-date.
FAQs
What are Social Security benefits?
Social Security benefits are payments from the government to help people who are retired, disabled, or the surviving family members of deceased workers. These payments provide financial support to ensure people have some income when they are no longer able to work.
Who qualifies for Social Security benefits?
Social Security benefits are available to:
Individuals over 65 years old
People with disabilities
Surviving family members of deceased workers
Adults and children with disabilities
Individuals over 65 who qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
How much can I receive in Social Security benefits in 2024?
For 2024, the maximum monthly SSI payment is:
$943 for an individual
$1,415 for a couple
When will Social Security payments be made in 2024?
SSI payments are made on the first of each month. If the first falls on a Friday or a holiday, payments are made on the last business day before the first. Retirement benefits are paid based on your birthday:
Second Wednesday if your birthday is in the first 10 days
Third Wednesday if your birthday is between the 11th and 20th
Fourth Wednesday if your birthday is after the 20th
What should I do if I don’t receive my payment on time?
If your payment is delayed, the SSA advises waiting three working days before contacting them. This allows time for any processing delays to be resolved.
Understanding how and when you receive your Social Security benefits is important for planning your finances. With recent updates designed to improve fairness and efficiency, the SSA is committed to better serving its beneficiaries. If you face any issues with your payments, don’t hesitate to contact the SSA for help.
