Great news for some seniors! Next week, certain seniors will receive two Social Security checks, but only if they qualify for both programs.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) pays millions of dollars each month to retirees, survivors, disabled workers, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. Here’s how you can know if you’re eligible for these payments.
Contents
Who Will Receive Two Payments?
Understanding the Programs
Most Social Security recipients get benefits from one program. However, in some cases, beneficiaries of both the SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs can receive double payments.
Payment Dates in July
Social Security Payment Schedule
- Monday, July 1: SSI beneficiaries
- Wednesday, July 3: SSDI beneficiaries who started receiving payments before May 1997
- Wednesday, July 10: Beneficiaries born between July 1 and July 10
- Wednesday, July 17: Beneficiaries born between July 11 and July 20
- Wednesday, July 24: Beneficiaries born between July 21 and July 31
Eligibility for Double Payments
Qualifying for Both SSI and SSDI
While it’s common to assume you can’t receive both SSI and SSDI, it’s possible under certain conditions. Here are some scenarios where you might qualify for both:
- Early Disability: If you became disabled early in your career.
- Minimum-Wage Job: If you worked a minimum-wage job.
- Part-Time Work History: If you didn’t hold a full-time job for ten years before your disability.
Income and Resource Limits
For SSI, your monthly countable income must not exceed $1,767 for individuals or $2,607 for couples. Additionally, there is a resource cap of $2,000 for single people and $3,000 for married couples.
Applying for SSDI and SSI
Boosting Your Benefits
If your SSDI payments are low due to a history of minimum-wage work, SSI can supplement your income indefinitely or until you find other employment.
What If Your SSDI Application Is Denied?
Common Reasons for Denial
It’s important to know that many applicants are denied on their first try. Reasons for denial include:
- Technical Issues: Not filling out a critical section of your application.
- Discrepancies: Differences in your Social Security number, name, or date of birth.
- Insufficient Work Credits: Not having enough work credits for your age.
- Income or Asset Limits: Exceeding the income or resource limits for SSI.
- Non-Qualifying Disability: The disability examiner determines your condition doesn’t qualify.
Steps to Take After Denial
If your application is denied, you can request a reconsideration. A disability examiner will review your claim again. If denied again, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
Receiving double Social Security payments can significantly impact your financial stability. Understanding the eligibility criteria and knowing the application process can help you maximize your benefits. Don’t get discouraged by initial denials—persistence can pay off.
