Celebrating Progress in Improving Equity in the Delivery of Payments to Customers Receiving SSI

Social Security Administration
July 16, 2024

We are dedicated to improving the lives of the American public by prioritizing the delivery of payments to customers receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). We are proud to share our progress in addressing underpayments.

SSI underpayments

Today, roughly 7.5 million people receive SSI. Underpayments, typically back payments from the time of applying for SSI to the date the application is approved, represent money we owe for months past. People waiting on approval of SSI can experience economic insecurity while they wait for a decision.

In fiscal year 2024, our agency prioritized addressing the barriers that prevent timely payment of underpayments, not a large share of the total payments we administer under the SSI program (less than 1% annually). Overall, the SSI program has released $901 million in underpayments as of June 2024, which includes $209.1 million of our most complex and aged underpayments to roughly 81,000 people, who count on SSI as a vital lifeline. We are committed to finding solutions to challenges, such as peer reviews and installment and dedicated account processes, that have hindered timely payments.

Policy change and impact

This year we updated a policy that required underpayments over $5,000 to be reviewed by another employee – a peer review – before we released the underpayment. In March 2024, we increased the amount from $5,000 to $15,000. Underpayments less than $15,000 can now be released without peer review. This policy change means the time it takes for SSI recipients to receive their first installment is now dramatically reduced.

Real people, real impact

This isn’t just about numbers — it’s about people.

Historically, we know:

Most people who are eligible for SSI are blind or have a disability.
Nearly one-third of the people who receive SSI are 65 and older.
Over 55% of people who receive SSI have no income other than their monthly SSI payment.

Together, we are breaking down barriers and fostering a more equitable system. We will continue to prioritize accurate and timely payments. Our recent progress is a fitting celebration for SSI’s 50^th anniversary this year. To hear Commissioner Martin O’Malley’s message about SSI, we invite you to watch a short video.

Social Security Administration YouTube Video

Call to action

We invite you to learn more about Social Security, the SSI program, and how you can support ongoing efforts to improve equity in SSI payments by visiting our Equity page.

Visit our Online Services page to find out what you can do online. You can also call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.

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