Q- I just heard that this stimulus plan actually has something for people on SSI, is that true? 

A. Here's what we found on the Social Security Administration's website:

Social Security's Economic Stimulus One-Time Payments

"President Obama recently signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  This Act provides for the one-time payment of $250 to individuals who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security benefits.

We expect everyone who is entitled to a payment to receive it by late May 2009. No action is required on your part.

We are currently working on the details regarding how we will issue nearly 55 million one-time payments to our beneficiaries."

Some Frequently Asked Questions from the SSA website as well:

• Who will receive a one-time economic stimulus payment from Social Security?
  

Nearly 55 million Social Security and SSI beneficiaries will receive a one-time payment of $250 each. To receive a payment, the beneficiary’s address on record must be in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, or the Northern Mariana Islands.

• When can I expect to receive my one-time economic stimulus payment?
  

We plan to pay all eligible Social Security and SSI beneficiaries by late May 2009, so you should expect to receive your payment no later than the first week of June 2009. The one-time payment will be a separate payment, which will not be included in your regular monthly benefit payment.

• How will I receive my one-time economic stimulus payment?
  

We will deliver your payment in the same way we currently deliver your Social Security or SSI benefit. If we deliver your monthly benefit by check, we will deliver your one-time payment by check as well. If you receive a monthly direct deposit or Direct Express debit card payment, that is how you will receive your one-time payment.

• Are individuals entitled to more than one one-time economic stimulus payment?

No, individuals may receive only one $250 payment regardless of how many types of benefits they receive. An individual receiving Social Security and SSI or an individual receiving Social Security and Veterans or Railroad Retirement benefits, will be entitled to only one $250 stimulus payment.

• Are beneficiaries from other federal programs eligible for this one-time economic stimulus payment?

Yes, individuals receiving benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Railroad Retirement Board may be eligible for these one-time payments.


For more answers to Frequently Asked Questions, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/payment.