Do not be alarmed, we are not announcing the cut of your Social Security benefits (at least, this is not the case) but we come to clear up the doubt of thousands of recipients who noticed that on September 1, 2024, they did not receive the payment of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which should have arrived on the first day of the month as it happens every month.
This is a slight change to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) calendar, which may not be a surprise to those who are closely following their payments according to the 2024 schedule. However, it may be confusing that on September the payment did not arrive in your bank account, but it was already there 2 days before. There is a technical explanation for that.
Why Is There No SSI Payment in September 2024?
SSI recipients will not receive a check in September due to a scheduling anomaly. This phenomenon is not a new problem, and is actually completely normal. This is due to the way SSI payments are scheduled, a program that provides financial assistance to low-income elderly and disabled people.
Generally, SSI payments are issued on the first business day of each month. However, in 2024, September 1st fell on a Sunday, causing payment to be brought forward to Friday, August 30th. As a result, beneficiaries will not receive a specific payment for September, as the next disbursement is scheduled for October 1.
This had already happened in June 2024, when the payment had fallen on a Saturday and the SSI payment was brought forward to May 31, that is, the previous Friday.
Differences Between SSI and Other Social Security Programs
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program that differs markedly from Social Security retirement benefits. While the SSA is responsible for distributing SSI payments, funding comes directly from the U.S. Treasury, with some additional supplements at the state level.
SSI is designed to support older and disabled people who have limited income and resources. According to the SSA, both adults and children may be eligible if they meet certain criteria, such as having little or no income, limited resources, and being disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.
Maximum Benefits and Comparison With SSDI
In 2024, the maximum monthly SSI benefit is $943 for an individual and $1,415 for couples where both people qualify. This program should not be confused with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which also supports people with disabilities. However, unlike SSI, SSDI requires beneficiaries to have worked and contributed to Social Security for a significant number of years before being eligible.
SSDI is funded primarily through income taxes and pays benefits to individuals who have demonstrated sufficient work history. On the other hand, SSI focuses on those who have not been able to work or do not have a significant work history, and is not directly linked to employment contributions.