Rep. Paul Tonko Announces Recovery Act Payments for Social Security Recipients

Statement

Rep. Paul Tonko Announces Recovery Act Payments for Social Security Recipients

U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko announced today that Social Security recipients will get a one-time payment of $250 from the federal government in May. This payment will be awarded though the stimulus package, otherwise known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"This extra payment will make a big difference to elder Americans and people with disabilities," said Rep. Tonko. "These people have been hit especially hard by our economic crisis, and I'm pleased to see that the Obama Administration has worked so quickly to get these payments in the hands of people who need it the most."

The recovery act legislation calls for a $250 payment to adults receiving Social Security benefits, and to Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries, except for those receiving Medicaid in care facilities. Those who receive Veterans Affairs and Railroad Retirement Board benefits are also eligible. However, individuals who receive benefits from more than one of these sources will only be eligible for one payment.

The payments will be made during the entire month of May, and people who are eligible do not need to take any action. The funds will be distributed as a separate payment in the same form as it is received now, such as a paper check or direct deposit.

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