The One-Time Economic Recovery Payment

On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This act provides a one-time payment of $250 to individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or other Social Security benefits. If a married couple are both receiving benefits from SSI or Social Security, each individual will get the one-time payment.

Regardless of how many types of benefits, clients can only receive one $250 payment. For example, if a client receives any combination of Social Security, SSI, Railroad Retirement, or Veterans benefits he/she will only receive one payment. Every situation is different, and there may be exceptions to these rules.

In most cases, the following individuals will NOT receive the one-time payment:
Individuals who no longer are lawfully present in the United States;

• Anyone living outside of the United States or its territories;
• Individuals whose benefits have been suspended under the law for giving false or misleading statements;
• Social Security beneficiaries who are minor children*;
• SSI beneficiaries who receive benefits at a reduced rate of $30 because they live in a medical treatment facility (such as a nursing home or hospital) and Medicaid pays over 50% of the cost of their care;
• Individuals only entitled to Medicare and not to Social Security or SSI benefits;
• Prisoners, fugitive felons and probation and parole violators.
  *Note: Disabled adult children receiving Social Security or children receiving SSI payments will receive the one-time payment.

The federal government expects everyone who is entitled to a payment to receive it by late May 2009 and no later than June 04, 2009. Clients who do not receive this payment by June 04, 2009, are to contact Social Security Administration toll free at 1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778. No action is required by the beneficiary to receive the one-time payment. We’re here to help you… If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact RMD at (213) 480-3444 or via e-mail at RevenueManagement@dmh.lacounty.gov.