$250 SSDI Stimulus Checks Explained

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Social Security Disability Insurance Recipients To Get Extra $250 By Summer

Allsup explains one-time $250 bonus coming from $787 billion national stimulus package

Belleville, Ill. – Feb. 26, 2009  – Social Security Disability Insurance recipients can look forward to receiving a one-time $250 bonus payment by early summer, according to Allsup, which represents tens of thousands of people in the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) process each year. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, recently signed by President Obama, launches a $787 billion national economic stimulus package that includes the one-time $250 payments to those eligible for SSDI, Social Security retirement, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), railroad retirement benefits and U.S. veterans disability compensation or pension benefits.

“This additional income, though minimal, can help offset the rising costs for people with disabilities,” said Paul Gada, personal financial planning director at Allsup. “Recipients may want to consider using it toward healthcare costs, especially if they are still in the 24-month waiting period to become eligible for Medicare benefits.”

The good news is even better for couples who receive Social Security benefits—because each recipient will receive a one-time $250 payment. “That means you’ll have an additional $500 in income available, which could be an important cushion,” said Mr. Gada. “For example, this amount could be put toward an emergency fund.”

SSDI is a federally mandated insurance program overseen by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that operates separately from the retirement and SSI programs. SSDI provides monthly benefits to individuals who are under full retirement age (age 65 or older) and who can no longer work because of a disability (injury, illness or condition) that is expected to last for at least 12 months or is terminal. Individuals must have paid FICA taxes to be eligible. More details are provided in the “SSDI Overview” on Allsup.com.

More Details On The $250 Bonus Payments
To help clarify details about the $250 bonuses to SSDI recipients, Allsup has outlined answers to common questions about the one-time payment.

Who is eligible for the $250?
Anyone who was receiving SSDI benefits anytime during the three-month time period of Nov. 1, 2008, through Jan. 31, 2009 will receive a bonus check. In addition, beneficiaries in the Social Security retirement, SSI, railroad retirement and veterans benefits programs are eligible.

What if I got my SSDI in February 2009?
Unfortunately, you will not receive the one-time $250 payment because your entitlement date was after Jan. 31, 2009.

When does the payment go out?
The Social Security Administration expects everyone who is entitled to receive their payment by late May 2009.

If I’m eligible, how do I get the payment?
You do not need to do anything. There is no paperwork required. You will receive the additional payment automatically using the same method that you receive your regular benefits (i.e. direct deposit, mailed check).

Will I get more than one $250 payment?
Recipients are only entitled to one $250 bonus. It does not matter if you are on both SSDI, SSI or other benefit programs.

My children get dependent benefits, so will they also get a $250 bonus?
No, children under age 18 (19 if still in high school) who receive Social Security benefits will not receive a bonus. However, disabled adult children will receive a payment.

If my spouse and I are both on Social Security, do we only get one $250 payment?
No, each adult receiving Social Security benefits will receive a $250 payment. This means both you and your spouse will receive payments.
 
Will this payment affect my taxes?
No, the one-time $250 payment will not be counted toward gross income for your federal income tax.

What if I don’t get the payment?
If you don’t receive a payment by June 4, 2009, the SSA recommends contacting your local Social Security office or calling (800) 772-1213 to report that your payment did not arrive.

ABOUT ALLSUP
Allsup, Belleville, Ill., is a leading nationwide provider of financial and healthcare related services to people with disabilities. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2009, Allsup has helped more than 110,000 people receive their entitled Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicare benefits. Allsup employs more than 550 professionals who deliver services directly to consumers and their families, or through their employers and long-term disability insurance carriers. For more information, visit www.Allsup.com.

Comments

[greg]

good information!

[Bob]

well explained THANKS

[L. G.]

How come I already got the $250 stimlus check?

[Citizen advocate]

Do you know if a person is receiving unemployment benefits and then receive social security benefits, will the unemployment stop?

[janet westmoreland]

In 2006 I had a choice of SSDI or SSI, I chose SSI because the payment was 200.00 more. I didn't qualify for the last stimulus check. Will I qualify for this one. We need relief also..Thank-you, Janet W.

[ludger binette]

i am deaf person. wonder how iget foam paper my wife has ssd and retired now and i,m has ssdi too retired and please let us know thank you very much

[Queeny]

I wish you could post this info or link on the IRS site.
I'm on HIV-related SSDI & THIS is exactly the info I needed. I called IRS tho = same info.
Good job you've done!

[Christie]

Wow ! thanks, well done !

[steven thompson]

Sounds Good..I can use this,very good info.

[S B]

Great information! I have another question that has not been addressed. I just received a completely favorable decision by a federal judge after applying for ssdi almost 2 years ago. I will receive my first monthly payment and two years of backpayments begining soon. Will I be able to receive the current stimulus and or any of the previous ones that were paid during the time that I waited for the hearing? Thank you.

[Sheri Merrel]

I have another unaddressed question. Least I cant find it anywhere on this site and others. Will I still get the 250 dollar one time payment. IF I just enrolled in the " Trial To Work" program but havent even recieved a paycheck stub yet.

[Joe Mama]

Cool, a couple trips to the grocery store to buy expensive food! Why do those auto makers and AIG executives get millions and we get spare change?

[Narciso Cordero]

My wife had been receiving retirement benefits for years until her death on 1/15/09. Will I (also retired & receiving both SS & VA benefits) receive this stimulus on her behalf? This could definitely assist in offsetting funeral & hospital costs. Thank you!

[John Smith]

doesn't anyone realize that this money is not only coming out of the pockets of people who are working full time and pay taxes?
But it is also coming from a LOAN the government is taking by selling bonds to the Chinese...
we're up to $3 Trillion borrowed from them!
your grandchildren will be paying back the $250 so you'd better enjoy it on something worthwhile and thank them for it!

[K.W.]

Personally I think the disabled is much more in need of any stimulus (and the lower and middle class's), than the big corporations now getting millions and billions John. After all, it seems they are just making it harder on the "little guy" with the interest rates they seem to be skyrocketing after receiving all that money.

[leroy hunt]

if I'am behinde on my child support am I eligeable or is my applied to my arearage

[TONY]

HOW ARE YOU AN ADULT AND A CHILD? DIDN'T KNOW THAT WAS POSSIBLE.

My children get dependent benefits, so will they also get a $250 bonus?
No, children under age 18 (19 if still in high school) who receive Social Security benefits will not receive a bonus. However, disabled adult children will receive a payment.

I CALLED, DISABLED CHILDREN WILL GET A CHECK.

[Regina McIntyre]

If my children receive ssi and also receive off their fathers disability will they receive a stimulus check?

[Timothy A Lund]

thanks that sounds realy great and is very apreciated tim

[Margaret]

MULTIPLY YOUR STIMULUS CHECK

Community One Bank, www.myyesbanking.com is offering a special through early June that dovetails perfectly with the Stimulus Payment to persons with disabilities and the elderly. Check to see if there is a location in your area, or if they will allow online banking from out-of-state account.

Basically they have two offers:
One for opening a personal checking account with $100 deposit, and all services free with basic account. Then when you make two more $100 deposits, they will give you a VISA gift card for $150.

Also, there is an additional possibility for some persons with disabilities if they have even a minimal part-time home business, pet sitting, etc. and you are under SGA and using VR and/or Ticket to Work services, still disabled, still on SSDI. There is a business account offer that requires an $100 opening deposit, then you will receive a $300 Visa Card 4-6 weeks after using your business debit card to make a purchase.

The personal checking is 1 offer per household. Check the details, but I did this today with my part-time
home business that VR is sponsoring the start-up for. My stimulus check will allow me to make the deposits, and multiply the check from $250 to $700. And have a
trickle down effect into the banking world. Plus I like our local branch, they were very accommodating and genuinely friendly to my disability accommodation request, and I felt respected. Check their offer for fine details. The thing I loved was that their campaign for this is Yes YOU CAN, Yes we can.

Margaret