If you receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, those disability benefits are probably an important source of financial support and stability while you’re unable to work. Many people rely on their monthly checks and create a budget according to when they will be received. Often, we are asked whether or not checks are always paid on an exact schedule or if, on occasion, benefits may be paid early. That’s an understandable question to ask. Let’s take a closer look at the law together.
What Types of Benefits Are Available?
The Social Security Administration offers two different types of disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. These benefits have different characteristics and qualifications for eligibility, and they are paid on different timelines.
Social Security Disability Insurance
SSDI benefits are benefits that the Social Security Administration pays to people with a qualifying disability that has rendered them disabled for at least one continuous calendar year or more, and who are “insured.” To be insured, an applicant must have worked a job and regularly paid taxes from that job into the Social Security system. This is because the SSDI program is funded by employment taxes. As a general rule, the higher an individual’s salary and the longer they paid into the system, the greater the amount of benefit they will receive.
SSDI benefits are typically paid on a schedule based on an individual’s birthdate. Typically, the payment schedule is as follows:
- If the applicant’s birthdate occurs on the first through the 10th of the month, the SSDI payment will arrive on the second Wednesday of each month.
- If the applicant’s birthdate occurs on the 11th through the 20th of the month, SSDI benefits will be paid on the third Wednesday of each month.
- If the applicant’s birthdate occurs between the 21st and the 31st of the month, the SSDI payment will be made on the fourth Wednesday of that month.
While this is generally true, an exception applies for individuals who began receiving benefits prior to May of 1997. For those individuals, payments will be made on the third of the month.
Supplemental Security Income Benefits
As with SSDI benefits, in order to receive SSI benefits, an applicant must have a qualifying medical condition that has caused them to be disabled for one calendar year more. Unlike the case with SSDI benefits, however, an individual does not need to be insured to receive SSI benefits. This is because the SSI program is not funded by employment taxes but is instead funded by general tax revenue. SSI is a program that is intended for individuals with lower income and resources. As a result, applicants must be able to establish that they have income and resources below a certain limit established by the Social Security Administration. That limit may change annually, so consulting with an attorney regarding your eligibility is always advised. As a general rule, SSI benefits are paid on the first of the month.
Does the Payment Schedule Ever Change?
Sometimes, the first of the month falls on a weekend or a holiday. Understandably, then, recipients want to know when they will receive their payment in those cases. As a general rule, the Social Security Administration will make those payments on the Friday proceeding the date that would fall on a weekend or a holiday. As a result, it is sometimes possible to receive a payment early or more than one payment per month. This doesn’t mean that an individual receives more money overall in a given year. It simply means that there may be more than one payment in a certain month.
Understandably, the law and the payment schedule for disability benefits can sometimes seem complicated and confusing. The good news, however, is that you don’t need to worry about interpreting and applying the law on your own. At Muse Disability, we are here to help.
Muse Disability – Your Disability Benefits Team
There’s no question about it-being unable to work as a result of a disability can be very stressful. At Muse Disability, we understand that. We know the struggles that our clients face, and that’s why we are passionate about offering the excellent guidance and representation that you need and deserve. When you are struggling with a disability, you deserve to focus on treating your condition and enjoying life with those you love. Instead of worrying about complicated legal matters, you can leave those matters to us. When you do, you can trust that you are putting your case in good hands. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call today. We are here for you, and we’re ready to help. We look forward to speaking with you soon.