What Time Does SSI Direct Deposit Into Bank Accounts?

To qualify for Supplemental Security Income benefits you must meet strict income and resource limitations because it is a need-based program. In fact, the purpose of the monthly payment that a person who is blind, disabled or elderly receives through SSI is to pay for food and shelter, which adds to the importance of knowing when to expect the payment to direct deposit into your bank account.

When a disability advocate at London Disability handles your application for SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information submitted to Social Security to avoid unnecessary delays. Once your claim for benefits is approved, the disability advocate can help in the event payment is delayed for some reason.

Direct deposit reduces the risk of payments being delayed or lost. Here is an explanation of what to expect when you are approved for SSI, including the process to set up direct deposit into a bank account.

Electronic Payments Now Required By Federal Law

The option to receive monthly benefits by check has essentially been eliminated by changes to federal laws pertaining to payments made through benefit programs such as SSDI and SSI. As of Mar. 1, 2013, all newly approved SSI beneficiaries must choose an electronic payment method. Those approved for benefits prior to that date had to switch from payments by check to an electronic method for all future payments.

There are currently only two available payment methods in use by the Social Security Administration. Social Security disability benefits through the SSI program may be direct deposited to your account at a bank. The other method is to have them electronically added to a Direct Express debit card, which is the debit card approved for use by the Social Security Administration.

When Will Your SSI Payments Be Deposited?

The general rule is for SSI benefits to be directly deposited to your bank or to a Direct Express card on the first of the month. The exception to the general rule occurs when the first day of the month falls on a weekend or federal holiday. Payment in that event will be processed on the weekday immediately prior to the weekend or holiday.

Some people receiving SSI may also qualify for SSDI based on their work record and earnings. If you that situation applies to you, the SSDI payments may not arrive on the same day of the month as the SSI.

A different processing procedure for SSDI results in beneficiaries receiving payment on the day of the month that corresponds with their birth date. For example, if you were born within the first 10 days of a month and only receive SSDI benefits, they will be directly deposited on the second Wednesday of every month. However, a different payment date applies if you receive both SSDI and SSI. Your SSDI payment will be direct deposit on the third day of the month.

How To Establish Direct Deposit Of Your SSI?

Arranging for direct deposit of your Social Security disability payment through SSI is relatively easy. All you need to do is provide Social Security with information about your bank and the account when you fill out the application for SSD benefits. A disability advocate at London Disability can help you with this.

If you do not have a deposit account at a bank, you may go to the website of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for help finding an FDIC insured bank near you. The website also has information and videos to walk you through the process of establishing an account. A London Disability advocate will be glad to assist you.

The following information is needed to arrange direct deposit of SSI payments and must be included when you apply for benefits:

• Your Social Security number.
• Bank routing number found on a check or by asking at the bank.
• Account number of the checking or savings account.

For individuals who do not have or want to open a deposit account, the Direct Express debit card is the only available option. Payments post to the debit card and are available for use on the same day of the month as your SSD payment would be direct deposit to a bank account.

Direct Express debit cards may be used for purchases and to obtain cash through an ATM or when making a purchase at a retail store offering a cash-back option at checkout. Social Security provides a publication containing information about electronic payment methods that you should review before making a decision about which method you wish to use.

Learn More About Direct Deposit Of SSI

A disability advocate at London Disability will be happy to review the electronic payment options with you and help you decide on the one that works best for you. Contact us today to arrange to speak to an advocate.