Progress with Timely Delivery of Payments to People Receiving SSI
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: July 17, 2024
We are dedicated to improving service to the American public by prioritizing the delivery of payments to individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). We are proud to share our progress with more timely release of underpayments.
Watch Commissioner Martin O’Malley’s message about SSI underpayments.
SSI underpayments
In 2023, a monthly average of 7.4 million people with disabilities (including children with disabilities) and older adults, who have little to no income or resources, received approximately $61 billion in Federal SSI payments. For fiscal years 2019 through 2023, underpayments represented less than one percent (1%) of all SSI payments. [1]
While underpayments are not a large share of the total payments we administer under the SSI program, they still can cause significant hardships for people waiting. Underpayments, typically payments from the time of applying for SSI to the date the application is approved, represent money owed for months past. Individuals approved for SSI – but who have to wait on release of payment – may experience even more acute economic insecurity while they wait.
Progress on underpayments
In fiscal year 2024, our agency prioritized addressing barriers that prevent timely release of underpayments. For example, this year we updated a policy that required underpayments over $5,000 to be reviewed by another employee – a peer review – before we released the underpayment. In March 2024, we increased the amount from $5,000 to $15,000. Underpayments less than $15,000 may now be released without peer review. This policy change means the time it takes for SSI recipients to receive their first installment payment is now dramatically reduced.
We are committed to continuing to find solutions to challenges that have hindered timely release of underpayments. As of June 2024, we have released $901 million in SSI underpayments, which includes $209.1 million of underpayments to roughly 81,000 people – our oldest and highest priority cases who are counting on SSI as a vital lifeline.
Real people, real impact
This isn’t just about numbers — it’s about people.
Historically, we know:
- Most people who are eligible for SSI are blind or have a disability.
- Nearly one-third of the people who receive SSI are 65 and older.
- Over fifty-five percent (55%) of people who receive SSI have no income other than their monthly SSI payment.
Enhancing economic security
By delivering payments more promptly, we are improving customer service and enhancing the economic security of millions of adults and children who rely on SSI.
Together, we are breaking down barriers and fostering a more equitable system.
We will continue to prioritize accurate and timely payments.
Call to action
We invite you to learn more about the SSI program as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Visit our Equity page to learn how you can support ongoing efforts to improve SSI.
Join the conversation
We want to hear from you! How will these changes impact your community? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Looking for assistance?
Visit our Online Services page to see what you can do online. You can also call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.
[1] For more information about the size of the SSI program: Monthly Statistical Snapshot, May 2024 (ssa.gov) – see Table 3
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Tags: equity, SSI, supplemental security income
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William c.
I was told that The local Kennesaw office has a special requirement that I notify them within 10 days after receiving a letter that I want to continue receiving payments during the appeal process. I received a letter dated July 2, 2024. Kennesaw had to be aware of the July 4 weekend and the travel plans that were already in place. We took a trip to Disney world And stopped our mail for two weeks. The 10 day period. Expired before we return to pick up our mail from the post office.. I didn’t see any notice In the letter dated July 2 that I had to respond within 10 days or my payments would be stopped. I have complained about this many times to the Kennesaw Georgia office and they refused to answer. I was told that Stewart w Was in a meeting and would call me at 2 PM that afternoon and if he didn’t call me, he would email me with more instructions. Of course, nothing ever came of that. I talked to agent in Pennsylvania, who was able to access my records from Pennsylvania and she told me to tell them dire need in order to get my payments
Ms M.
I feel Mr hate because his family and him he appeal to it I was playing a lottery and I didn’t know that you couldn’t get over $2,000 in the lottery do you know I actually just thought about getting my payment okay I’m trying to get on Medicare okay but I have cancer but I don’t claim I’m a healthy young black African American Queen! I want to go back to school do something with my life it was so much going on so much going on and I have got two emails from if I don’t send you an email if they do something wrong with that I feel for you but no weapon formed against you or your family you should profit God is good and bad part God bless you and your family
Norma M.
Almost $200 was taken from my social security. That’s a lot for me. It was taken because I signed joint tax return. None of that income was mine. My husband sold a house in his name only. I didn’t get any of that money from that sale. Why am I being robbed of money I earned when I was able to work?
T.Y.
Thanks for reading our blog, Norma. We are sorry to hear of your situation and we understand your frustration. Unfortunately, your problem is more complex than we can handle in this forum. For your security, we do not have access to information about your overpayment. For more information and to learn about appeal and waiver rights read our publication on “Overpayments“. If you still have questions, or for further assistance, you should call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) for assistance, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter early in the day (between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. local time) or later in the afternoon (between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. local time). We hope this helps.
Richard P.
What is SSI doing about overpayments? I have a brother who has been living on a fake disability for the last 24 years, but he kept it secret from the family for almost 20 years. In suing my brother for exploitation of our parents and relatives, I discovered he is on SS disability and is supposedly so disabled that he cannot walk, barely sit, or drive. On a pain scale of 1-10, Gary testified that his pain is at ten. For years Gary was acting just like any normal middle-aged man. When asked about his income, he stated he had a special early retirement from the post office. Because of my lawsuit, we subpoenaed a 100K life insurance policy that he took out a few years back. Per the physical for the life insurance policy, there is nothing seriously wrong with my brother’s health. Of course, Gary neglected to tell State Farm Life Insurance that he is on disability suffering in constant pain. I estimate that Gary has currently milked the taxpayers out of 1/2 million dollars in the last 24 years. If Gary lives another 20 to 24 years, Social Security will have OVERPAID Gary a cool million. The family has reported Gary to Social Security for the last several years and nothing has happened as of yet. Is Gary concerned? Not now, for he says due to his age he has other issues which would qualify him for disability. I paid into SS for over 45 years, and I will be lucky to break even, much less collect 1/2 million in legitimate payments.
Betty W.
I wanted to say that the problem i have at point is while
everything goes up with food prices and etc it’s moving up faster than you can blink an eye it’s outrageous to try to buy and to make it last. the problem is while SSI amounts stay the same the. prices around us keeps going up. it makes it so much harder to buy food etc, it’s like getting 400 (example )and living off of it, ,PROMBLE is that everything is so sky high it’s like if you were receiving 400. have to spend 100 for food, have 300 left.!
Now compare this 400 you have ,spend almost 200 to come out as you did once before, with getting the exact same things ridiculous!
,while SSI stays the same pretty much year after year except for the COLA RAISE INCREASE,! Economy is outta control, We need a Hero to help with this problem. Thank You!!!!
Rhonda S.
This is how government works. Force you to pay but then refuse to pay you when you are owed. I have no job, retired, but because someone did not do their job when I informed them I retired I have spent the last three months having to call and fight for every month of benefits. Every month they say it is all in the computer correct and then the next month they withhold whatever amount they decide. Unfortunately for me they have cost me bank fees because I mistakenly trust it is taken care of now to the tune of $1000. I call the office and if you call at 3:30 you will be put on hold til 4:00 so they don’t have to answer your call. It is sickening that they are allowed to do this with no accountability. They should be required to pay you emotional distress check to make it right!!
Maria W.
Ssi has disappointed my family on several occasions. I just submitted an appeal online within the 10 day limit for non interrupted payments and my social security office in Colorado Springs could not even see my online appeal. Stated it would take two weeks to even get this corrected. What is the point of me following the 10 day rule if SSI disability payments are not available. Also back payments that have been due that the office can not get paid to my family and my disabled son!
Shirley
I am reading events that I am dealing with as well. I filed my claim in 2021 and was denied in 2022, but I later won my appeal in 2024. I was approved in May, but have not received one dime. I have called several times, but I keep getting the same answer; they have got to decide if they will withhold any funds from my back pay due to me going back to work for 9 mos because of my homeless situation.
I was forced to return to work in 2023 because I became homeless. I am again in the same position if I don’t get some funds to cover my rent and other bills. I am in between a rock and a hard place right now because I may be forced to go back to work again if Social Security doesn’t pay me some of my benefits. Hardships are hitting many who are waiting on payments and I am one of those people.
I know I’m not the only one experiencing this therefore, I will continue to pray for all of us. It’s a sad situation but I know the shortage is overwhelming for the ones who are working to make sure everyone gets paid at some point. A solution must be found to resolve the issues with the department. When you say over 30 thousand people died waiting on social security payments, that’s an epidemic, and something needs to be done. I appreciate the ones who work hard to make sure the process runs smoothly, thank you.
Debra
Im benefits $29,000 from 2019 to 2024, that is when I signed up for SSI. 25% goes to representative which is $7,200, so when do I receive the balance left.
Ange V.
Tengo 78 anos y mi unico ingreso es el ssi desabilitado desde 1994, entre tantos gastos los 943 dolares mensuales hay que estirarlos al maximo,quiero saver si hay un alivio en camino valga la ayuda de mi hijo desabilitado desde muy chico el resive[ssdi] cera que que soy elegible para alguna ayuda,gracias?
T.Y.
For information in Spanish, please visit us at http://www.segurosocial.gov, Administración del Seguro Social http://www.facebook.com/segurosocial, or http://www.twitter/segurosocial. Thanks!
PAM D.
My son waited 2 years for approval of his SSI and was denied but did win his appeal. He spoke with the SS office gave his banking info as instructed. The agent was very helpful and told him she would request more of his backpay with his first check.He explained he had been living in a house with no utilities for a year. It was 100 degree heat. He will lose his house soon to unpaid back taxes. She assured him he would see a deposit in 3-5 days. He did see a 0 deposit. It’s now approaching 3 weeks with no more funds being deposited. He has called and left agent voice messages. She has not responded. One customer service agent told him his SSI was denied. When my son disputed this his response was ” don’t argue with me ‘. some people do not need to be customer service agents. My son is suffering. Sounds like the SSI has failed their mission to increase the payments sent out in a timely manner. They also failed in empathy.
Jacquie M.
I am so incredibly sad your son has had to deal with that situation , which is completely unacceptable .
Shirley
I am sorry your son has to deal with that. Unfortunately, many of us are dealing with the same issue. I was approved in May, but haven’t received one dime. Change will come, and I pray soon.