2024 Social Security Benefits: Key Eligibility and Payment Information

If you, or anyone else you may know or are in close contact with, is a Social Security beneficiary, this will be very important for you to keep updated. Social Security provides for the retired, the disabled, and the families of deceased workers financially. Here’s an easy guide to help you understand when and how you’ll receive your payments, and how they may be affected by the recent changes.

What is Social Security?

Social Security is a government program put in place to provide money to retirees, disabled persons, or families of someone now deceased. Support ensures that the individual has some sort of income available to them during retirement years, or if disabled and incapable of working.

Who is eligible for Social Security benefits?

Social Security benefits may be available to different groups of people. These include:

• People over 65 years of age
• Handicapped people
• Family members of deceased workers
• Disabled adults and children
• People age 65 or older who are also eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

In this way, the Social Security Scheme provides financial assistance to people in different situations, so that they can lead their lives in a better way and achieve economic security.

How much money can they make?

In 2024, the maximum monthly payment amounts under Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are as follows:

• For individuals: If you’re a single person, you can get up to a maximum of $943 per month.
• For couples: If you are a married couple, you can receive up to a maximum of $1,415 per month.

Thus, the maximum monthly amount that can be received under the SSI program in 2024 has been determined for those who are eligible for this assistance. This ensures that they get adequate financial assistance to meet their basic needs.

When Will You Get Paid?

The payments for SSI are made monthly on the 1st. If the first date is a Friday or a holiday, payments are made on the last working day before that. For example, payments for June this year were made on the last day of May.

Retirement Benefits Payment Schedule:

When you will receive retirement benefits depends on your date of birth:

• Those born in the first 10 days of the month: Payments are made on the second Wednesday of the month.
• Those born between 11th and 20th: Payment is made on the third Wednesday of the month.
• Those born after the 20th: Payment is made on the fourth Wednesday of the month.

Thus, based on your birthday, the payment of retirement benefits is determined, allowing you to plan your finances regularly.

Special Note: If you are already receiving retirement benefits before May 1997, you will receive the payment on the 3rd of every month, regardless of the date of your birthday. This rule is applicable for those who have been availing benefits under this scheme for a long time, so that there is no change in their payment date.

Topic	Details
Social Security Payment Schedule	Payments for SSI are made on the 1st of each month, except if the 1st is a Friday or holiday. In such cases, payments are made on the last business day before the 1st.
Retirement Benefits Payment Schedule	Payments are based on your birthday: <br> – First 10 days: Second Wednesday of the month <br> – 11th to 20th: Third Wednesday <br> – After 20th: Fourth Wednesday <br> Special Case: Payments on the 3rd of every month if benefits started before May 1997
Maximum SSI Payment for 2024	– Individual: $943 <br> – Couple: $1,415
Recent Changes to Benefits	Over 100 outdated or rarely performed occupations have been removed from the SSA’s Dictionary of Occupational Titles, making it easier for applicants to qualify for SSDI and SSI benefits.
Missing Payments	Wait three business days before contacting the SSA if you do not receive your payment on time.
Dual Eligibility Payments	If you qualify for both SSI and retirement benefits, you will receive two separate payments on different days.
SSA Improvement Efforts	The SSA is continuously updating its processes to make benefit eligibility determination fairer and more efficient by focusing on the most relevant occupations.
Contact Information	For more information or assistance, visit the SSA website or contact their customer service.

Separate SSI and retirement payments

If an individual qualifies for SSI, the person would be receiving two different checks on two separate days of the month along with his or her retirement benefits from Social Security.

Disabled Workers and Dependents

Only 11 percent of all paid-out Social Security benefits went to disabled workers and their dependents in 2023.

What to Do if Payment Is Not Made

If you don’t get your money on the day you expect it, wait three workdays before calling SSA.

Recent Updates to Social Security Benefits

§ SSA has recently revised the listing of what jobs determine eligibility. With the new changes, SSA has eliminated many of the older, less demanding jobs from its listings. This means that more people will be able to qualify than before.

SSA’s Continuous Improvement

SSA is continually striving to enhance its procedures. This is to make the system somewhat more equitable and to reduce the burden on applicants to establish eligibility for benefits in the best jobs available.

FAQ’s