Understand the Standard SSD Payment Schedule

Before diving into whether there’s extra money, it’s important to understand the standard SSD payment schedule:

• Monthly Payments: Social Security Disability benefits are typically paid on a monthly basis, depending on your birth date. Payments are issued on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month.
• Payment Amounts: The amount you receive varies based on your work history, how much you’ve paid into Social Security, and your disability status. The average SSD payment for 2023 is around $1,483 per month, but it can be higher or lower depending on individual circumstances.

Why Extra Money May Be Given

There are a few reasons you might receive extra money from Social Security Disability:

• Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA): Each year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) adjusts benefits to keep up with inflation. If COLA increases have been made, they may result in higher monthly payments for SSD recipients. However, these adjustments are typically announced in October and applied to next year’s payments, not mid-year.
• Economic Relief Packages: In times of national or global crises (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), the government may issue emergency relief payments. These are sometimes called stimulus checks and may be issued to Social Security recipients as part of broader economic relief efforts. If these relief payments are authorized, they may come as one-time checks or direct deposits.
• Tax Refund or Rebate: If you filed taxes and are eligible for a tax refund or stimulus rebate, you may see an additional payment. These are typically separate from your regular SSD benefits and depend on your tax filings.

Verify if Extra Payments Are Being Issued This Month

To determine if extra money is being issued this month, consider the following:

• Check Official SSA Updates: Visit the Social Security Administration’s website at www.ssa.gov or call their customer service line at 1-800-772-1213. They may post announcements regarding extra payments or changes in benefit amounts.
• Look for News on Stimulus or Relief Checks: Keep an eye on news outlets for announcements from the government regarding additional relief for Social Security recipients. These payments are often publicized well in advance.
• Review Your Bank Account or Payment History: If you receive direct deposits, regularly check your bank statements to see if you’ve received an unexpected additional payment this month. Social Security payments will typically be identified by the name “Social Security Administration” or “SSA.”

Be Aware of Scams

If you hear about extra payments being offered, it’s important to be cautious. Unfortunately, scammers often take advantage of confusion regarding extra Social Security payments. Be aware of any phone calls, emails, or messages claiming you need to pay fees or provide personal information to receive the extra funds.

Remember:

• The SSA will never ask for payment to release extra funds.
• Official announcements will always be made through trusted sources, such as the SSA’s official website or verified news outlets.

Keep Track of Future Payments

If you don’t receive extra payments this month but are expecting them (due to COLA adjustments or another reason), keep track of when they are scheduled to arrive. You can do this by:

• Using the SSA’s online portal: If you have an online account with the SSA, you can check the status of your benefits and any upcoming payments.
• Setting reminders: The SSA’s payment schedule for Social Security Disability payments is fixed. Mark the dates on your calendar to ensure you receive your benefits on time.