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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Jody S.
I was denied my widows back pay, because social security put the wrong year on the paperwork of his death. I was told that if I tried to get a hearing for it they could take away my social security. The man I talked to also said they could put me through another 2 year review, which it took the first time I filed for widows benefits. I was to afraid to do anything. They owe me over $3.000 dollars for the widows back pay. It was a big mess on their part from day 1. I could go on and on but the bottom line is I’m entileted to the money I’m owed by law. To afraid to rock the boat. In the beginning I was told I didn’t qualify because I wasn’t disabled. Which I was, and for years. They put me through a 18 month review. Then deny me the back pay due to an error on their part. Not fair what they have put me through. 😭
tamacia l.
Good information 👌
Bradley P.
I’m the designated representative payee and the sole care assist for an SSI claimant (also the claimant’s brother) whom recently had a favorable conclusion to a disability benefits claim which unfortunately took over “Three year’s and six months” to be approved.
The claimant’s a life shattering major stroke surviver who’s been non verbal ! completely unable too communicate with PEOPLE since that moment he’d endured the massive stroke.
This was a horrific life changing permanent crisis with severe speech apraxia dysphagia along with severe global aphasia receptive and expressive profoundly shattering All modalities of language speech, single words, sentences, conversations, All spoken output….! Gone, and with all four treating hospital’s within the 45 day’s post stroke homebound hospices approved stroke team’s everyone of them ! his friends and myself there was no gray area’s about IT about the medical records evidence the fact’s about my Brother’s impairments ! that he’s non verbal severely globally aphasic expensive receptive non communicating person.
The fact that the claimant was denied at initial stage’s and recon appeal with the adjudicating writer’s authored out letter’s of explanation of denials stating:
“An uncooperative claimant who’s unwilling to provide medical evidence of an alleged disability”
One can only imagine how devastating and unfortunate it’d had been for my family (brother and I) to have endured waiting the Three year’s and six months for those much needed but so so late in coming fund’s.
Still owed
His remaining SSI back pay which is approximately about
85% of his back pay.
Traditionally SSI back pay is payed off in three unequal disbursements six months apart of one another.
Unless ! unless the claimant’s needs for all remaining SSI back pay be paid off in a lump sum immediately sooner than later if
the claimant’s not expected to live beyond one year !
and or their needs for those kinds of things are explained in on a form listing those items along with the items manufacturers detailing information part’s numbers etc
I’ve requested that form over two months ago and followed up with six call’s requesting info on whereabouts of the mailing out of said form ummm
This morning I’d called and requested info on any mailing out of the forms and was told no mailing out of the forms had occurred as of yet.
The worker punched in the mailing out of the forms today they should be here in a few days…?
awwwwwwwwwe right
and I’ll list the items he’s needed All of it and all of it now for the past three year’s and eight months ooooh
Admonishment. What about admonishment ?
what about
admonishment indeed.
Actually I haven’t the capacity for that nor anything arsenal not not anything not anger it’d all be to expensive because there’d always be enough on my plate as it is. So, and so it is.
Assistance dependant heavy, 24 7 supervision required, incontinent X 2, weakening frail bed confined now for over a year….$ my Brother I Just Love Him Too Pieces LoL
Every expensive
piece of that wonderful
man my dear
Brother.
Thanks for Sharing
Your’s truly
Mr B
S.D.
We’re so sorry to hear about your brother’s situation, Bradley. For his security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We’re required by law to issue large past-due SSI payments in installments – no more than 3. Installment payments are not required under certain conditions. Please provide his local office with documentation of his expenses and outstanding debts related to food, clothing, and shelter, or medically necessary services, supplies or equipment, or medicine. We encourage you to continue to work with the local office. You can ask to speak with a supervisor during your next call or visit. We hope this is resolved soon.
Rachel
During my disability appeals process SS paid me my full disability amount for approximately 11 months. Denied my disability but approved SSI and started taking $100 a month for overpayment of benefits. I supposedly owe $5874. I’ve repaid $1200 with no end in sight. Will I get this money back?
S.D.
Thanks for reading our blog and for your question, Rachel. An overpayment occurs when you receive more money than you should have been paid. The monthly payment you make is applied to the overpayment balance until we recover the debt. To learn more about overpayments, check out our blog and Frequently Asked Questions. If you have specific questions about your overpayment, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. We hope this helps.
Debora e.
When will i rceive my chec
T.Y.
Hi, Debora. Thank you for reading our blog. Before May 1997, Social Security payments were always delivered on the 3rd day of the month. Starting in May 1997, besides delivering Social Security benefits on the 3rd of the month, it also delivers benefit checks on the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays of the month. The three new payment dates are assigned based on the beneficiary’s day of birth. Beneficiaries entitled to Social Security benefits prior to May 1997, continue to receive their benefits on the 3rd of each month. For more information, read our blog What Day of the Month Do I Get my Social Security Payment? | SSA. We hope this information helps.
Jennifer D.
Hello hello my name is Jennifer Dussing I get SSI every month and I cannot afford my bills I owe $1,000 $200 I would like to know if I get my back payment back I know why social security is taking money out of my check every month $30 a month and I need my overpayment back Can anybody help me please God bless you have a wonderful day
Jennifer D.
I get ssi all most 12 years all ready I can not afford none of my bill because Im still paying back 30.00 month and now social security say I still owe them one thousand dollar two hundred dollar can I get my money back
Jennifer D.
Well I get ssi I owe them one thousand dollars two hundred dollars do I get back my over payment to back
T.Y.
Hello, Jennifer. Thank you for reading our blog. 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 1-800-325-078) 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.
Tammy
I had became disabled in 2016 at the time I applied I had a minor daughter by the time they approved me in 2020 they said that I wouldn’t get back pay for my daughter. Because she would be turning 18 in June of 2020. I don’t understand why I wasn’t entitled to the money for her because she was a minor when I applied? And then they came back and said that I was over paid. And then I got a letter stating that I was under paid but they took it because of the over payment! I just don’t understand??
S.D.
We’re sorry to hear about your situation, Tammy. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We encourage you to continue to work with your local Social Security office. You can ask to speak with a supervisor during your next call or visit.
Your daughter may not have been eligible for back pay if your date of onset – the date we determined you became disabled – was after her 18th birthday. For more information about benefits for children, read our factsheet. We hope this helps.
Kimberly F.
I get SSI It’s barely enough to pay my rent. My rent is $1095 I barely have enough money to get through the rest of the month for personal female items. This economy is the worst economy I ever seen in my life people barely Surviving in the state of California. The governor in California makes it too easy for people to the street. Unless not talk about those portable homes. It’s crap.
Mark A.
Who are they to say that they are not paying anymore under payments it’s not their money it’s ours and so sick of these people stealing it
Linda L.
Right on Mark! I almost forgot. Since I started working, at 16, I’ve paid into that. I’m now 65 and recently retired. I’m only receiving $700 a month!! It’s not SSI, however you would think after all those years of working and paying into, what I thought at the time was a somewhat good thing, social security I’d be getting more than $700 a month!
Ronald P.
I’m interested
T.Y.
Hi, Ronald, Thanks for reading our blog, To apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), get started here. We hope this helps.
Albert R.
Can you help me. Ok what happened was I started dialysis in August of 2018. I applied for SSI but kept getting sick And I missed my appointments or follow ups . I finally got tout of hospital and reapplied in Feb 2019 finally got appt and they didn’t give me back pay from August of 2018. They also only paid me 500 a month. Please help me get the 5 months back pay they owe me it’s not much but will help.
S.D.
We’re sorry to hear about your situation, Albert. If you disagree with a decision we’ve made, you can file an appeal online. Generally, you have 60 days from the date you received the notice of our decision to ask for any appeal. If you are unable to file an appeal online, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., or contact your local Social Security office. If you have a good reason for not appealing within the time limits, we may give you more time. A request for more time must be made in writing, stating the reason for the delay. To learn more about the appeals process, read our publication, Your Right to Question the Decision Made on Your Claim or visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.