As a result of the 2009 federal stimulus package (otherwise known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) there will be a $250 stimulus check paid out to all Social Security recipients in 2009. You might have already received a letter from the Social Security Administration telling you about this one-time payment.
The Social Security Administration is planning to send out these payments during the month of May so if you are eligible for this special payment then expect to get the $250 sometime in May or in the first week of June. Please don’t call the SSA unless you haven’t received your check by June 4.
The maximum amount per individual is $250 even if that person qualifies under different programs (SSI, veterans’ compensation, veterans pension payments or railroad retirement benefits). Couples can qualify to receive up to $500 ($250 each).
You will still get your regular Social Security payment as always.
Who is eligible for the $250 check?
To get the $250 you must meet the following criteria:
- Currently receiving Social Security.
- Must have been eligible for benefits at any time in November 2008, December 2008 or January 2009.
- The person receiving the Social Security must have an address of record in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam or the Northern Mariana Islands.
What do I have to do to get my $250 Social Security payment?
Nothing – if you qualify then the check will be mailed or direct deposited to you automatically. If you haven’t received the payment by June 4 then call the SSA.
How will I get my $250 payment?
The extra $250 payment will be paid to you in the same method that is currently used to your Social Security or SSI benefit. If you currently receive your regular benefit by check, your one-time payment will be made by check. If you receive a monthly direct deposit or Direct Express® debit card payment, that is how you will receive your one-time payment.
Social Security information website
If you wish to look at the SSA (Social Security Administration) website then please go to
- www.ssa.gov for the main SSA page.