The ideal environment for rumors and fake news to flourish is social media. Certain things are safe, while others are not. Among the non-harmful but potentially highly confusing are those pertaining to assistance programs, such Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
There has been a rumor for the past few months that the Social Security Administration (SSA) will raise the SSI benefit by $600 beginning in July. Particularly on social media, this rumor took off like wildfire.
As a result of the purported news, recipients inquired about the veracity of the information in 463,000 calls on June 3, which was 140,000 higher than the normal number of calls each day, according to the SSA.
The authorities responded promptly, much to the dismay of the beneficiaries.
Is SSI Going to Increase in July?
Martin O’Malley, Commissioner of Social Security, refuted the claim right away. As stated by O’Malley in a social media statement for the SSA, “Any information regarding a current $600 increase is false and should be ignored.”
“Please be aware and don’t fall for this stunt,” he said, addressing the beneficiaries. We are tackling the root of these fabricated claims and warning the public about these lies.”
If you are an SSI or Social Security Disability Insurance beneficiary, it’s important to report your wages to Social Security. Using your personal #mySocialSecurity account, this process is quick, secure, and easy. Learn more in our video: https://t.co/e3jocKu3K3
— Social Security (@SocialSecurity) July 1, 2024
Benefit recipients are informed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) are announced in October of each year, and the increase that results is applied to their first payment of the subsequent year. During the year, the SSA doesn’t make any additional increases.
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SSA 800 # was slammed on June 3. Over 463,000 calls — 140k more calls than a few days earlier. Why? In part because of a bogus news story about a $600 payment increase. This is FALSE: No COLA until January 2025. Big thanks to all SSA staff who helped customers with this rumor.
— Martin O’Malley (@OMalleySSA) June 12, 2024
August’s Double Payment
Social program participants may get two payments in a given month as a result of the SSA’s payment policy. The agency only deposits money on business days, which explains why.
According to regulations, SSI payments are supposed to be made on the first of every month; however, in the event that this day falls on a weekend or holiday, payments will be made on the preceding working day.
Approximately three times a year, this occurs. For instance, SSI recipients received their June payment on May 31st since June 1st fell on a Saturday, even though May 1st was a Wednesday.
The same will occur in August, when the recipients will receive their money on Friday, August 30th, as September 1st falls on a Sunday.
