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Due to calendar alignment, there will be no review in September.

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Some Social Security recipients may have noticed something unusual in this monthly schedule: There is no SSI check payment scheduled for September.

The slight change in the Social Security Administration's calendar may not come as a big surprise to those who keep a close eye on the agency's 2024 schedule, which sets the dates for various types of payments throughout the year. But for those who are used to having the money arrive in their account on the first day of the month, the adjustment may still cause confusion.

Fortunately, there's a simple explanation for this, and it doesn't mean that anyone will go without the funds they need. In other words, it's all about the calendar. But with about 7.5 million people receiving SSI benefits in 2024, even a seemingly minor change can cause a bit of uncertainty. Here's what you need to know about SSI benefits this month:

Outlook: Social security is constantly being adjusted. Here you can find out what could change next.

Why aren't recipients receiving SSI checks in September?

Due to a simple scheduling irregularity, Supplemental Security Income recipients technically will not receive a check for September.

Normally, SSI benefits, which are paid to low-income seniors and disabled individuals, are paid on the first business day of each month. Because September 1 fell on a Sunday this year, the payment that was scheduled for September was paid on Friday, August 30 instead.

Because the next round of checks will not be sent out until October 1 according to the SSA calendar, recipients will technically not receive an SSI payment in September.

The same thing happened a few months ago in June, when payments were not made until Friday, May 31, rather than Saturday, June 1, and then again on Monday, July 1.

What is SSI?

Supplemental Security Income, also known as SSI, is different from Social Security retirement benefits.

As AARP explains, the SSA distributes SSI benefits but does not pay for them. While Social Security benefits are largely funded by income taxes, SSI is funded by the U.S. Treasury and government grants.

SSI is designed to benefit the elderly and people with disabilities who are below a certain income limit. Although various factors go into determining eligibility, the SSA says adults or children may qualify for the benefits if they:

  1. Low or no income.
  2. Little or no resources.
  3. A disability, blindness or age 65 or older.

The maximum monthly benefit in 2024 is $943 for an individual and $1,415 for couples if both parties qualify.

SSI benefits are different from what is commonly referred to as “disability” or Social Security Disability, which is determined by work history. SSDI pays benefits to people with disabilities who have contributed a sufficient amount to Social Security through income taxes after working enough years to qualify. SSI, on the other hand, does not require work history.

Social Security Payment Schedule in September

The SSA releases its annual distribution plans well in advance. You can start planning for next year now with the 2025 calendar already released. From the looks of things, some months in 2025 will follow a similar pattern to this September.

According to the SSA, recipients of the standard Social Security retirement pension will receive it as usual this month:

◾ September 11th: Birth dates between the 1st and 10th of the month.

◾ September 18th: Birth dates between the 11th and 20th of the month.

◾ September 25th: Birth dates between the 21st and 31st of the month.

Simplified SSI applications coming this year

Last week, the SSA announced that it would introduce a new, simplified process for Americans to apply for SSI benefits later this year.

The new online system, called “iClaim,” will include simpler questions in plain language designed to speed up the process for both claimants and claims handlers, the agency said in a press release.

However, not all applicants will be able to access the new system immediately if it is rolled out immediately. The SSA said the December phase will generally be available to first-time applicants between the ages of 18 and nearly 65 who have never been married and are applying for Social Security benefits and SSI at the same time.

The second phase to expand to all applicants is planned for 2025.

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