Up to $1,415 Extra Social Security Payment in the United States for May: Who Will Receive It?

The upcoming month of May will bring about a double payment for all U.S. citizens enrolled in the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program. What is this extra payment for? Does it represent a fixed monthly payment? Here, we detail the specifics.

SSI is a federal program designed to provide financial assistance through regular monthly payments to seniors over 65, children with disabilities or blindness, and other individuals with limited income and resources.

Funding for this program comes from the general funds of the U.S. Treasury Department and is managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Within the usual Social Security payment cycles carried out each month—in five phases—aimed at workers, retirees, the disabled, and survivors, the upcoming month includes a double payment, consistent with the monthly amount disbursed.

Why is there an extra Social Security payment in May?

The monetary benefits for those receiving SSI incomes are usually made on the 1st of each month, according to the payment calendar established by Social Security.

This standard is maintained monthly, except when the date coincides with weekends or holidays, prompting the SSA to move the payment date to a business day earlier, as offices will be closed.

Considering that June 1 is a Saturday, the corresponding payment for that month is therefore advanced to Friday, May 31. It is important for beneficiaries of the Supplemental Security Income Program to understand that this is a payment advanced by 24 hours and not an independent bonus to the monthly payments.

How can I determine if I am eligible for this financial assistance program?

To enroll in SSI, consider the following eligibility requirements:

• Be a senior over 65, have a physically verified disability or blindness.
• Be a U.S. citizen, hold nationality, or be a legally present foreigner in the United States in compliance with additional requirements.
• Reside in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands, except for children of military parents assigned to permanent service outside the U.S. territory or some students temporarily abroad.
• Have low income and limited resources.

These parameters may be affected by other conditions of the applicant such as their marital status or the resources and income of their household members. Accordingly, the basic rate is around $943 for individuals as the only family member, while for married couples the amount is $1,415, and in addition, it grants about $472 to those members who qualify as essential persons.

Additionally, for those who qualify as eligible candidates for this federal program, the Social Security has established changes this year in the eligibility concepts of Supplemental Security Income related to the exclusion of food in the calculations of in-kind support and maintenance. Hence, they are no longer considered as an income measure.

If you need to contact the SSI program offices directly to clarify any doubts about the double payment in May, you can do so by phone at 1-800-772-1213.