More than 1K SSI beneficiaries will see increased payments on Dec. 31

With the Social Security Administration’s announcement last month of a 1.7-percent increase in benefits, more than 1,000 Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries in the CNMI will see increases in payments starting Dec. 31.

In an email to Saipan Tribune last week, SSA regional communications director Patricia Raymond said the SSI beneficiaries in the CNMI also include those receiving SSI because of a disability.

SSI is a federal cash assistance program that provides monthly payments to low-income elderly or persons with disabilities in the United States, District of Columbia, and NMI.

Raymond said the latest data they have so far on the number of beneficiaries in the CNMI is from 2013 and don’t have any number yet for 2014.

Based on 2013 numbers provided by Raymond, more than 900 people with disabilities will receive increases in payments along with more than 100 elderly and blind ones.

Nearly 200 under Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance or OASDI are included in the increase this December because they receive SSI as well.

OASDI is also called Social Security, of which more than 2,000 beneficiaries in the NMI will receive increases in January 2015.

Understanding how much NMI gets for SSI after December

The SSI federal payment standard is now $721 a month and will increase to $733 a month for a single person. The $1,082 a month for a couple will increase to $1,100. This amount is based on how much the federal government pays as its base standard to those eligible for SSI.

NMI residents under SSI resource limits [SSI beneficiaries who have land, car, insurance, etc.] will remain the same and receive $2,000 a month for a single person and $3,000 a month for a couple.

NMI students who are blind or disabled receiving SSI will get an increase from $1,750 to $1,780 a month.

“The increase is effective Jan. 1, 2015, and SSI payments are paid on the first day of the month. However, when the first day of the month falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal federal holiday, checks are paid on the first preceding day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal federal holiday,” Raymond said.

Raymond also clarified that the payment increase for SSI is implemented on Dec. 31, because the payment is actually Jan. 1, New Year, and those receiving SSI will receive both an increase and a check before New Year.

Raymond said those who need more information may visit their website at www.socialsecurity.gov.