Holiday Stimulus Checks: Boosting SSI Benefits in December 2023
- Getting Your SSI Money Early
- What is SSI and How Does It Work?
- When Do You Get Paid?
- Who Can Get the SSI Holiday Stimulus Check?
- Double Payments in December
- How Much Will You Get in December 2023?
- What if Your Payment is Late?
- Owing Taxes and Getting a Holiday Stimulus Check
The holidays are a time of happiness and celebration, but they can also bring money problems for some people. However, if you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI), December 2023 might bring you some extra money in the form of a holiday stimulus check. In this article, we'll explain what these special payments are and what you need to do to get them.
Getting Your SSI Money Early
For people on SSI, you usually get your money on the first of each month. But in December 2023, you'll get it a bit earlier, on December 29th. This early payment is good news because the regular increase in your payment isn't coming until January 1st, 2024. This early boost can help you have a happier holiday season.
What is SSI and How Does It Work?
SSI is a type of financial help for different groups of people. It helps retired workers, survivors, and folks with disabilities who get benefits from Social Security. The Social Security Administration (SSA) takes care of these payments, and the money comes from the government.
To get an SSI stimulus check, you have to meet certain rules set by the SSA to make sure the money goes to people who really need it.
When Do You Get Paid?
Usually, you get your SSI money on the first of the month. But if that day is a holiday or a weekend, you'll get your payment on the next business day. So, in December 2023, you'll get your holiday stimulus check on December 29th because of the holiday season.
Who Can Get the SSI Holiday Stimulus Check?
SSI is meant for people who don't have a lot of money. To get SSI benefits, you must:
| Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Age | 65 years old or older, blind, or have a disability |
| Income | Limited amount of money and income from sources like a pension or others |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or meet specific immigrant rules |
| Residency | Live in Washington, D.C., the Northern Mariana Islands, or one of the 50 states |
| Family Situation | Family and marriage situation also matters |
To find out if you can get SSI benefits or other help, you can use a tool on the SSA's website. If you think you qualify, you can apply by calling (800) 772-1213 or going to your local Social Security office.
Double Payments in December
Usually, SSI payments are on the first of each month. But in January 2024, that's a weekend day, so you'll get your payment on the last Friday of December 2023. That means you'll get two payments in December, which can really help during the holidays.
How Much Will You Get in December 2023?
In 2023, there's good news for SSI recipients because the government is increasing the payments by 3.2% in 2024 due to higher prices. But you'll get that increase in December 2023, not January 2024. How much you'll get depends on your situation. In 2023, the most you can get is $914 if you're single and $1,371 if you're married.
What if Your Payment is Late?
If you don't get your stimulus check when you expect it, the Social Security Administration says to wait three more days before contacting them. You can call them at 800-772-1213, and the best time to call is usually on weekdays between 4 and 7 p.m., especially from Wednesday to Friday.
Owing Taxes and Getting a Holiday Stimulus Check
Some people worry that if they owe taxes, they won't get their stimulus check. But don't worry, you'll still get your payment even if you owe taxes. Your taxes won't affect your holiday stimulus check.
In summary, the holiday stimulus checks for SSI recipients in December 2023 are like an early holiday gift to help you have a happier season. These extra payments are coming in a bit early, and the increase in your payment because of the cost of living will bring relief to many people and families who rely on SSI money to get by. If you're eligible for these payments, don't forget to mark December 29, 2023, on your calendar as the day you'll receive your holiday money.
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