8 million Americans who collect SSI can expect their bigger checks in only a couple of days.
The checks will have the COLA increase of 5.9% to offset the costs of inflation. This is to help those surviving on a fixed income.
The first payment going to SSI recipients will be Dec. 30, 2021 since Jan. 1, 2022 is a federal holiday.
Related: SSI checks worth $1,104 being sent in days with Social Security COLA increase
How does SSI work and who is eligible to receive it?
SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income and specifically works to financially help those with a disability or who are blind.
It’s given to qualifying individuals below a certain financial threshold.
People ages 65 and older that meet the financial requirements may also qualify without a disability.
Many seniors collect both benefits, but some may qualify without disability or retirement.
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Anyone is able to apply for SSI.
In order to qualify you need to have a limited income as well as limited resources and assets.
You must be a citizen or some type of noncitizen and reside in the U.S., District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands.
Some students and children of the military that qualify but are stationed outside the U.S. or studying abroad can qualify.
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How much more in SSI benefits will people see?
There is not one uniform SSI payment, but instead it depends on various factors.
Some will see more if they reside in a state that adds money to federal SSI payments.
If you have income of some sort, or Social Security benefits, you’ll see less.
If you have a household family member with an income you could see less.
Related: Important dates in 2022 for Social Security payment schedule
Eligible people with spouses that also qualify can expect around $1,261 per month.
Individuals collecting the maximum can expect $841 in 2022.
The average increase is going to be $34 per month, bringing the average monthly income to over $400.
Again, the amount individuals collect in SSI benefits can vary greatly depending on a number of factors.
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