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 50^th 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

Tags: equity, SSI, supplemental security income