The $250 stimulus payments for senior citizens receiving Social Security have been arriving in the mail boxes or direct deposited to the bank accounts those living in the U.S. A Social Security spokesperson says all of the $13 billion in economic recovery money targeted for those receiving Social Security and Supplemental Security Income will be dispensed by the end of May. A notable exception to the plan are those living in care facilities and also receiving Medicaid.

The payments are being made separate from the regular monthly Social Security payment but are being sent in the manner the senior normally receives the regular Social Security payments – by direct deposit or check.

Seniors who have not received the payment by June 4 should call Social Security’s toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or contact their local Social Security office to tell us your payment has not arrived, according to Oscar Garcia, Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security Administration. 

“Please wait until then to ask about your payment because the Department of the Treasury will be sending payments until the end of May,” Garcia said.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provided 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 legislation 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. 

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

To learn more about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, go to www.recovery.gov.