Many people who are possibly eligible for SSI benefits are unaware of how receiving SSI affects their benefits and payments from other federal and state programs.
In addition to monetary benefits, SSI and SSDI recipients are eligible for savings on dental care and assistance with first aid.
The distribution of discounts is determined by the state program in your state of residence. You can obtain these perks in January if you apply now.
SSI and SSDI Payments
Internet Discount
The Affordable Connectivity Program provides SSI recipients with an internet access discount. The monthly discount might reach up to $30. And $75 for eligible households on tribal grounds.
Smartphone Service
The Lifeline Program is administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide low-income individuals and families with a monthly telephone or broadband Internet subsidy The monthly stipend is capped at $9.25 per household.
The subsidy can be used for both wired and wireless telephone service if utilized for phone service. Many states enhance the federal program to increase member benefits.
Energy Efficient Appliances
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) assists low-income people to lower their energy costs by improving the energy efficiency of their houses.
Using the most current technologies and testing techniques available in the housing business, the funds are used to increase the energy efficiency of the dwellings of needy families.
To qualify for this program, you must be a resident of the state in which you apply and in need of assistance with your home’s energy expenditures. States favor persons aged 60 or older and families with at least one impaired member. Families with children (in most states)
Over-The-Counter Medical Supplies
Individuals enrolled in SSI, SSDI, Medicare, or all are entitled to get free over-the-counter products. Equipment, Vitamins and dietary supplements, Allergy and acid-reducing medications, and First aid supplies.
Read more: Who’s eligible for $500 monthly basic income and how to obtain it?
Why Did I Receive 2 Checks in December?
Meanwhile, January checks for SSI recipients have not yet arrived. Beneficiaries of Supplemental Security Income may check their bank accounts to see if their January checks have arrived, only to discover that they will not receive a check this month.
Since SSI recipients received two payments in December, no check will be issued this month. The Social Security Administration issues SSI payments on the first of each month unless the first occurs on a weekend or holiday.
The 1st of January is a holiday that falls on a weekend, thus the SSA mailed the check on the closest working day, Friday, December 30. In January, however, Social Security and Social Security Disability Income beneficiaries receive their first COLA raise.
If you received a payout and are unsure if it’s the correct amount, review the letter the SSA delivered to beneficiaries in December including the confirmed 2023 COLA amount. If you enrolled for a My Social Security account prior to November 15, you can also check your benefit amount through the message center of your online account.
Your payment should be on its way, but if you need to call an SSA agent, here’s how to do so and receive answers to any questions you may have regarding your Social Security benefits.