Social Security is much more than retirement, even though many people only think of it as such. For millions of Americans, it keeps them going daily to cover their essential needs. This federal program is so important that it also helps millions of families who have lost their breadwinner, live with a disability, or are unemployed by providing a reliable source of income so they can cover their monthly expenses.
Social Security has confirmed the last payment for March to eligible beneficiaries
According to their birthdates, the first two groups have already received Social Security payments. The final group is the only one that has not been finalized. Individuals born on the 21st or 31st of any given month. For them, however, the day is already set: Wednesday, March 26, is when the funds will arrive. It is important to note that payments are not made all at once each month. The system operates in shifts. This is to prevent the system from becoming overloaded. There would be anarchy if everyone received their paychecks at once. Therefore, it is arranged based on each person’s birthdate. March was not going to be any different, of course.
Remember that this Wednesday’s payment will only be made to individuals who were born between the 21st and the 31st. Neither before nor after. Nothing will happen to you now if you have already received your money for this month. However, it will typically arrive without any issues if you are in that time frame. Direct deposit is how most individuals have it set up. In other words, the funds simply appear in your account. Easy, quick, and clean. However, some people continue to use paper checks. Delays may also occur. Occasionally, the mail is delayed, or an odd incident occurs during transit.
If it does not arrive on Wednesday, you should pay close attention and not throw it away if you are among those who still utilize the physical check. Of course, not everyone receives the same amount. This is influenced by things like the years you worked, how much you contributed, whether you receive retirement or disability benefits, or whether you are a beneficiary as a relative of someone who died. There are quite a few variables. But in general, those are the averages.
The Social Security Administration will require in-person identity checks for beneficiaries
The Social Security Administration will enforce stricter identity-proofing procedures in an attempt to reduce fraudulent claims. This would force millions of applicants and recipients to visit agency field offices instead of calling the agency. Agency leadership told reporters Tuesday that starting March 31st, individuals will no longer be able to confirm their identity with the SSA over the phone. Those who are unable to verify their identity through the agency’s online service, “my Social Security,” will have to go in person to an agency field office to finish the verification process. Both new Social Security applicants and current recipients who choose to modify their direct deposit details will be affected by the change.
Those with impairments, those with restricted mobility, those who live far from SSA offices, and those with limited internet access would all suffer as a result of the move, according to retiree advocates. The move coincides with the agency’s already announced plans to lay off thousands of employees and close dozens of Social Security offices across the nation. Along with the shift to identification verification, the agency also announced that it will expedite the processing of recipients’ requests to change their direct deposit, both online and in person, to one business day. In the past, modifications to online direct deposits were pending for 30 days. Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek told reporters during his first media call on Tuesday night that the Social Security Administration is losing more than $100 million annually due to direct deposit fraud.
