Making sure your Social Security payment arrives in full and on time is crucial for 70 million seniors and people with disabilities across the US.
However, the Social Security Administration is warning many people could face interruption to their benefits if they fail to meet specific requirements.
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According to the SSA, recipients must take pro-active steps to ensure they can access their funds.
These include a variety of steps, the most important being ensuring that your information is correct and updated.
The SSA said checks may be delayed, misdirected or even stopped if it does not have access to your correct information.
This includes your address, marital status and employment status.
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In order to ensure your check is not delayed, recipients are being advised to log on to their Social Security account on the website to ensure your personal details are correct.
Secondly, all recipients must ensure that their income is reported accurately.
The SSA has strict reporting guidelines and those who are earning more than they report may have their checks temporarily reduced or suspended.
The Department also notes that failure to report earnings accurately may lead to overpayments, which recipients will be forced to pay back in full.
There is growing concern for rising levels of overpayments by the Social Security Administration.
This week, the SSA reinstated a policy meaning recipients will be forced to pay back up to 100% of incorrect payments.
Less than 1% of the SSA’s payments are “improper,” including over- and underpayments, according to the agency’s report from its inspector general in 2024.
BILLIONS IN OVERPAYMENTS
However, 1% of the overall $1.6 trillion in benefits paid out each year is still worth billions of dollars.
The U.S. Sun last year revealed expert estimates that the SSA was overpaying people by $9bn a year.
Lastly, all recipients of Social Security must ensure that they comply with residency verification checks.
The SSA requires all beneficiaries to reside at their registered address.
Any discrepancy with this may result in a suspension of your checks until the issue is resolved.
All recipients must ensure their residence is up to date and respond to any requests for information from the SSA.
PAYMENTS INCOMING
The final Social Security checks worth up to $5,108 were sent this week.
But for some, there’s even better news. A retroactive bonus could be on the way too, thanks to a major change in Social Security law.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) distributes payments on a staggered schedule based on birth dates.
Those born between the 11th and 20th of the month will receive their checks today, March 12.
While these payments are part of the regular Social Security distribution, a separate group of beneficiaries could see additional funds soon.
The amount you receive depends on several factors, including your earnings history and retirement age.
WHEN SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS ARE MADE
Social Security payments are issued on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month based on the recipient’s birthdate:
- Second Wednesday: For individuals born between the 1st and 10th of the month
- Third Wednesday: For those born between the 11th and 20th
- Fourth Wednesday: For those born between the 21st and 31st
