Washington, DC – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn. -3) announced Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries will receive $250 payments from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act beginning in early May 2009 and continuing throughout the month. No action is necessary to receive the $250, which will be sent separately from the regular monthly payment.

“This funding will make a real difference in the lives of seniors and people with disabilities. While many families and individuals of all ages are hurting from the recession, older Americans and people with disabilities have been hit especially hard,” said DeLauro.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides for a one-time payment of $250 to adult Social Security beneficiaries, and to SSI recipients, except those receiving Medicaid in care facilities. To receive the payment the individual must be eligible for Social Security or SSI during the months of November 2008, December 2008 or January 2009.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act also provides for a one-time payment to Veterans Affairs (VA) and Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) beneficiaries. The VA and RRB will be responsible for paying individuals under their respective programs. However, if someone receives Social Security and SSI, VA or RRB benefits, he or she will receive only one $250 payment. People getting Social Security or SSI should not contact the agency unless a payment is not received by June 4, 2009.

For more detailed information about the $250 one-time economic recovery payments, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/payment.