Is Social Security Disability Giving Extra Money This Month?

There are 8.7 million disabled workers and their families receiving monthly disability benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance program. Millions more disabled people receive disability payments through the Supplemental Security Income program, so it’s no wonder that YouTube and TikTok creators seeking views for their content post videos titled: Is Social Security Disability Giving Extra Money This Month? 

The truth behind promises of more money from the Social Security Administration is not the purpose behind the YouTube and TikTok videos and other social media content on the topic. They make money from people viewing or clicking on their content.

Don’t waste time watching a video or reading a social media post filled with misinformation. Instead, learn the facts about extra disability benefits from a Sackett Law disability lawyer by reading this blog post.

The SSDI and SSI Disability Programs

SSDI is a program that pays benefits to workers who contribute to the Social Security retirement system through payroll taxes paid on their employment earnings. Workers who become disabled before full retirement age may qualify for monthly disability benefits through the SSDI program. 

SSI is a needs-based program that pays benefits to people who have low income and resources and are either at least 65 years old, blind, or disabled. Work history is not a factor in determining eligibility for the SSI program as it is for SSDI. SSI looks at the income and resources a person has available and decides whether they need financial assistance to pay for shelter, food, and other essentials.

The truth behind stories about extra disability benefits SSI and SSDI pay benefits on specific days of the month. The SSDI makes payments on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month, depending on the date of the month that you were born as follows:

1. Payment on the Second Wednesday of each month for people born on the first through the 10^th  day of the month.
2. Payment on the third Wednesday of each month for people born on the 11^th  through the 20^th day of the month.
3. Payment on the fourth Wednesday of each month for people born on the 21^st  through the 31^st  day of the month.

An exception to the Wednesday rule occurs when a Wednesday falls on a federal holiday. In that event, SSDI benefit payments are processed on Tuesday of the same week. Another exception is if you live outside the United States or receive SSDI and SSI benefits who receive their SSDI benefits on the third day of each month. 

If the third of a month is a federal holiday or a weekend, benefit payments due on the third are processed the previous business day. This could create a situation where you may believe you’re receiving an extra benefit payment, but you’re not. 

For example, if the third of the month falls on a weekend or on a Monday that is a federal holiday, benefit payments are processed on the previous business day, which would be Friday. If the Friday is the last day of the prior month, you would receive two disability payments for that month. However, it does not mean Social Security disability gives you extra money. You’re simply getting the next month’s check earlier.  

The same rule about weekends and federal holidays applies to people receiving disability benefits through SSI. Expect to receive your SSI payment on the first day of each month, provided it does not fall on a weekend or federal holiday. If it does, your SSI payment will be processed on the previous business day, which may result in SSI beneficiaries receiving two payments during a month.

Don’t think you have extra money to spend. It simply means you received next month’s payment a few days earlier than usual.

Extra Disability Benefits

When you apply for SSDI disability benefits, the SSA determines your established onset date or EOD. It’s the date that you could no longer work because of a medical condition and met the Social Security disability standard. Depending on the date of your application for disability benefits, your EOD may entitle you to receive up to 12 months of retroactive benefits, which typically are included in your first monthly benefit payment.

SSI beneficiaries may be entitled to back pay, but it’s different than retroactive SSDI benefits. Back pay under SSI disability is calculated from the month after you submit an application until the date it is approved. You’ll receive back payments as a lump sum or in partial installments, depending on how much you’re owed.

Get Help From A Disability Lawyer

Sacket and Associates has been the disability law firm that residents of North California have trusted to handle their disability claims for more than four decades. If you need assistance for SSI and SSDI in Northern California or anywhere nationwide, contact us today to schedule a free disability lawyer consultation.