Disability Payments: Social Security programs like Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) play a critical role in providing vital support to millions of vulnerable individuals. Particularly, these programs are essential to disability beneficiaries in order to meet basic needs if they are unable to work because of medical issues.
SSDI is specifically for workers who paid Social Security taxes to Social Security who now can no longer work because of a disabling condition. But SSI is for people who have little to no income and little to no work history but medical conditions that keep them from working.
How the program works for disability beneficiaries
Another often asked question for beneficiaries is the timing of payments and how the amounts are determined. With SSDI, the benefit amounts are based on what the beneficiary made during the lifetime before their disability set in. Payment amount is not determined by the severity of the disability.
When SSDI payments are made
SSDI payments are issued three times a month in the SSA schedule according to the beneficiary’s birth date. The tiered approach allows for better fund distribution by the SSA. Here’s how the payment calendar works:
- Second Wednesday of the month: For those born between the 1st and the 10th of the month.
- Third Wednesday of the month: For those born between the 11th and the 20th.
- Fourth Wednesday of the month: For those born between the 21st and the 31st.
For November, this translates to the following payment schedule:
- If you were born between the 1st and the 10th, your payment was made on Wednesday, November 13.
- If your birthday falls between the 11th and the 20th, your payment was issued on Wednesday, November 20.
- Lastly, for those born between the 21st and the 31st, payments will arrive on Wednesday, November 27, just before Black Friday.
What to do in case of payment delays
Most payments are processed on time according to the schedule, but they can sometimes be delayed. The Social Security Administration suggests still waiting at least three business days after the expected payment date if you do not receive your payment.
Here’s what you should do if your payment is delayed
Check with your bank: First, contact your bank to see if everything is fine on their end. Delays are sometimes caused by internal banking processes.
Contact the Social Security office: The next step is to contact your local Social Security office if your bank confirms that everything is in order. They can check to see if the problem exists with their own program or if there is an error in the processing of your payment. If this continues, you must act as quickly as possible to avoid your having to suffer the complications associated with not receiving the funds that you are entitled to.
The importance of these payments for beneficiaries
For disability beneficiaries, SSDI and SSI payments aren’t just financial aid—payments are a lifeline that gives them access to goods they need and that allow them to maintain a basic standard of living. This is especially helpful during these high-expense times of the year, when essentials and celebrations get more expensive.
Beneficiaries need to be well informed about payment dates and how to deal with potential delays.
If your date of birth is between the 21st and 31st day of any month, then your SSDI payment for November will drop on Wednesday, November 27, a day before Black Friday. The staggered distribution system involved ensures that all beneficiaries get paid in an orderly and timely manner.
FAQs
Q. When will SSDI payments be issued for November?
A. The SSA pays SSDI benefits three times a month according to your birthday. If you were born between the 21st and 31st, then the second payment for November will hit your account on Wednesday, November 27th, a day before Black Friday.
Q. How is the SSDI payment amount determined?
A. SSDI payments are based on the amount you earned prior to becoming disabled, not the extent of your disability.
Q. What should I do if my SSDI payment is delayed?
A. First, check with your bank if your payment is delayed. If you continue to experience problems, go to your local Social Security office to try to sort out that particular problem.