The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that immigrants in the U.S. may qualify for Social Security benefits if they meet specific conditions.
Immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for at least seven years could receive monthly payments under the program.
This is part of a rule known as the “7-year rule,” which allows eligible immigrants to access financial assistance.
The SSA provides billions of dollars in benefits every month to retirees, disabled individuals, and those with limited income. Immigrants, too, can access these benefits if they fall into specific categories.
This news is important for those wondering how Social Security can help them.
Eligibility for Immigrants
Immigrants who meet the requirements can qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), even if they haven’t worked or paid into Social Security.
To be eligible, they must belong to one of these categories as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS):
- Permanent residents (Green Card holders)
- Refugees or asylum seekers
- Cuban or Haitian entrants
- Afghan or Iraqi special immigrants
- Ukrainian humanitarian parolees
- Individuals whose removal is being withheld
Additionally, immigrants must meet one of the following conditions:
- Present in the U.S. on August 22, 1996, with a disability: They must have been legally in the U.S. on this date and have a disability, such as blindness or developmental issues.
- Receiving SSI on August 22, 1996: If they were already receiving SSI benefits on this date, they may continue to qualify if they still live in the U.S. legally.
- Permanent Residency with U.S. Work Credits: Immigrants with permanent residency and at least 40 U.S. labor credits may be eligible.
- Military Connections: Veterans, active-duty military members, or their spouses or dependents can qualify.
- Special Categories: Native Americans born in Canada, members of federally recognized tribes, or victims of severe human trafficking may also be eligible.
How Much Can They Receive?
SSI recipients get an average of $943 per month if they are single and $1,415 if they are married.
Those who qualify under the essential person (EP) criteria may receive an additional $472 monthly. These payments are designed to provide basic financial support to individuals and families in need.
After seven years, the SSA will notify recipients about the end of their benefits unless their immigration status changes. Immigrants can extend their benefits by:
- Filing Form I-485 (Application for a Change of Status)
- Filing Form N-400 (Naturalization Petition)
These forms are processed faster for eligible individuals, and related fees may be waived to help immigrants complete the process.
Payment Schedule
SSI payments are sent out at the start of each month unless it falls on a weekend or holiday. In those cases, payments are made earlier to ensure recipients have access to their funds. Here’s the payment schedule for 2024:
- January: December 31, 2023
- February: February 1, 2024
- March: March 1, 2024
- April: April 1, 2024
- May: May 1, 2024
- June: May 31, 2024
- July: July 1, 2024
- August: August 1, 2024
- September: August 30, 2024
- October: October 1, 2024
- November: October 31, 2024
- December: December 1, 2024
Recipients should carefully plan their expenses based on this schedule to manage their finances effectively.
Why This Matters?
This update is critical for immigrants who want to know if they can access financial help through Social Security. The benefits provided by SSI can be a significant source of support, especially for individuals with disabilities or limited income.
Understanding the eligibility requirements and payment details can help immigrants make informed decisions about their finances.
The SSA’s clarification ensures that immigrants are aware of their rights and can take steps to secure benefits if they qualify. With proper planning and timely applications, eligible individuals can make the most of the program during the seven years.
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Archer Bannister is a journalist with 4 years of experience covering hard-hitting stories. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Archer specializes in delivering timely and in-depth updates on a variety of topics, including crime news, politics, and national issues affecting the USA. His expertise and dedication to delivering accurate, impactful news make him a trusted voice for audiences seeking to stay informed on critical topics.
