December is the month of giving and the Social Security Administration (SSA) will be sending out two Social Security checks for the month instead of one.
In December, millions of Americans will receive a pair of Social Security checks adding up to $2,700 from the Social Security Administration.
This comes as a welcome surprise during a holiday season that is anticipated to be more expensive than ever. It’s a timely boost for many during these festive times.
The agency sends out two Social Security checks in the same month once every quarter, and December is one of those months in the cycle. Yet, there’s a catch!
Eligibility for the payments requires qualification for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits by American citizens.
Those who qualify will get two checks, one on December 1 and another on December 29. Individuals can expect two checks, each worth $914, adding up to $1,828. For married couples, it’s two instalments of $1,371 totalling, $2,742.
SSI benefits for Americans
As reported by the Daily Mail, for married couples to benefit from financial assistance, both spouses must be eligible to receive Suppleecurity Income (SSI) benefits.
The federal agency anticipates issuing checks to approximately 67 million Americans in total.
According to the SSA’s website, the distribution of these two checks is intended for individuals with minimal to no income. Specifically, those who do not earn more than $1,913 from work each month.
The agency considers various income sources, such as disability benefits, unemployment, and pensions.
Notable circumstances, like being a single parent or having a child with a disability at home, are also taken into account.
Americans with limited resources, including money in bank accounts or assets like a home or vehicle, may also qualify for SSI. The thresholds are set at $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples.
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Age and disability criteria for receiving Social Security checks
Americans aged 65 and older are eligible for SSI, regardless of whether they have a disability or not.
Meanwhile, applicants aged 64 and below with a disability must fulfil various requirements to qualify for assistance.
According to the SSA’s guidelines, a 64-year-old or younger applicant with a disability must be either blind or have a condition impacting their ability to work for a year or more, severely limiting daily activities, or leading to death.
Those meeting the disability criteria must additionally demonstrate that their earnings were below $1,470 per month from work.
The SSA specified that individuals and children are eligible for a maximum of $2,000, while a couple can receive a maximum of $3,000 through mail or direct deposit.
SSI Payouts explained
For those receiving the SSI payout through direct deposit, it will be available on the specified dates — December 1 and December 29, according to the SSA. However, individuals receiving instalments by mail are advised to be patient for three days.
Individuals receiving instalments by mail are requested to be patient for three days.
If the first check isn’t received by December 6 and the second check by January 3, the SSA recommends reaching out to the administration for assistance.
Parents applying for their children will see an additional $2,000 included in their total resource limit costs.
Americans who believe they meet these requirements can determine their eligibility for SSI by applying. The SSA states that this five-step process can take anywhere from three to five months to receive a decision.
Certain non-citizens can receive the December assistance if they qualify as a “qualified alien.”
This includes meeting conditions such as being granted asylum. Admitted into the US as a refugee is among other qualifications outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act.