When you count on a monthly check, it's disconcerting, to say the least, when it doesn't show up when you think it is supposed to arrive. That goes as much or more for Supplemental Security Income as for Social Security benefits. Both are supposed to be reliable, government-administered programs and usually work well. But that doesn't help when your awaited SSI check doesn't arrive.
Supplemental Security Income
The abbreviation for Supplemental Security Income, SSI, starts with the same two S's as Social Security benefits, but SSI is a government welfare program funded by general tax dollars, not Social Security taxes. It provides cash assistance and health care coverage to low-income individuals who are either aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled.
Despite its different funding source, the SSI program is administered by the Social Security Administration, like retirement benefits. That means that many of the same rules and safeguards apply to your SSI benefits that are in place for Social Security.
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Checking on Your Check
You've marked the day on the calendar when your SSI check should arrive, but the mail box is empty. You want to get some answers, but the postman doesn't have any idea where your check is. Fortunately, you have another option for tracking the payment.
As an SSI recipient, you can open an account with the SSA called "My Social Security Account." Just visit the "My Social Security Account" page and fill out the information requested. You also create a username and password that you will use to access your online account. Once the account is set up, you can check your information, benefits, and earnings record. You can learn when the missing payment was processed and when it should arrive.
If your payment is lost or stolen, you can also contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local office. They will review the case and if the payment is due, replace it.
Direct Deposit of SSI Checks
In yesteryear, all checks arrived via the U.S. postal service. The delays and uncertainty of this process nicknamed "snail-mail" resulted in the stock response to late payments: the check is in the mail. These days, you can avoid this aggravation by signing up for direct deposit of your SS and SSI benefits into your bank account.
All you need to sign up for this service is a bank account. Sign up when you apply for SSI payments or, if you are already getting SSI payments and wish to switch to direct deposit, contact your bank to link up your SSI check. Alternatively, phone Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.