MILLIONS of retirees will get their next Social Security payment worth up to $1,657 tomorrow.
The benefits will be sent out to Americans born between the 20th and 31st of the month.
It comes as exact dates for Social Security claimants to expect payments have been revealed, with checks ultimately totaling over $10,000 now available.
The SSI average benefit is $621 per month this year, up by $34 from 2021. This equals $7,452 each year.
The monthly maximum for SSI is $841 per month for an individual in 2022 or totaling about $10,092 a year.
If your birth date is between the first and 10th, the payment will be deposited on the second Wednesday of each month.
If your birth date is on the 11th-20th, it will be deposited on the third Wednesday of each month.
And if your birth date is on the 21st-31st, it will be deposited on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
Read our Supplemental Security Income live blog for the latest news and updates…
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Executive order on benefits
Americans could get their hands on Social Security, food stamps, and other government benefits faster under a new executive order.
Signed by President Joe Biden late last year, the order will require the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to call back Americans rather than placing them on hold.
Social Security benefit seekers will also get a new online tool that aims to cut waiting times.
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Contacting the SSA, continued
The following are examples of automated telephone services:
- Requesting a benefit verification letter or replacement tax summary
- Requesting a replacement Medicare Card or applying for help with Medicare prescription drug costs
- Getting claim status
- Finding addresses for local Social Security offices
- Requesting a form to apply for Social Security cards or make changes
- Hearing information about SSI, COLA, taxes, payment delivery dates, direct deposit, fraud, and other Social Security services
- Updating addresses or phone numbers for Social Security benefits
You can contact the TTY line at 1-800-325-0778 if you’re deaf or hard of hearing and use TTY equipment.
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Contacting the SSA
During the coronavirus pandemic, several Social Security offices were only open for in-person visits for severe cases.
The easiest method to reach a representative for assistance, according to the Social Security Administration, is to go to SSA.gov or phone 1-800-772-1213 between 8am and 7pm, Monday through Friday.
According to the administration, wait times are often shorter Wednesday through Friday or later in the day.
Telephone services that are automated are also accessible 24 hours a day.
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Claiming full benefits
Your full Social Security benefit depends on the age you retire.
If you retire at 67, which is the full retirement age, in January 2022, your maximum benefit would be $3,345.
If you retire at age 62 in 2022, your maximum benefit would be $2,364, according to the Social Security Administration.
If you retire at age 70 in 2022, your maximum benefit would be $4,194.
The SSA also confirmed that the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security tax would increase this month.
This will increase from $142,800 to $147,000, following an increase in average wages.
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Inflation takes its toll
Inflation has become much worse in recent months, with Americans looking to return to normal life.
Recent data on inflation from the Bureau of Labor shows that consumer prices rose 5.4 percent in the year to September – a troubling trend for seniors relying on Social Security checks.
Typically, inflation triggers when the supply doesn’t meet the demand – resulting in rising prices across the economy.
Everything in necessities from food to gas has gotten much more expensive.
