SS, SSI stimulus check is in the mail

Tri-parish Social Security and Supplemental Security Income recipients: your stimulus check is in the mail beginning today.

One-time $250 economic stimulus checks go out today, U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon reported.

The payments were included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Melancon cast the state’s lone House of Representatives vote in support of the measure. Checks for the 3rd District, the region Melancon represents, will total $28.5 million and should be completely distributed by the end of May.

“Recent hurricanes and the downturn in the economy have hit many senior citizens in south Louisiana especially hard,” Melancon said. “With these recovery payments, 650,499 older Louisianans on Social Security will be receiving a little extra income this month to help them make ends meet. And the payments’ ripple effect will benefit all Louisianans, boosting our economy through increased consumer spending.”

How Social Security recipients normally receive their monthly payment will determine whether a check is mailed or directly deposited into their bank accounts.

The $250 stimulus also includes adults and children with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income. Statewide, $200.32 million will be distributed, the congressman said.

Melancon said a number of seniors slated to receive payments are among the nation’s lowest average incomes. For example, nearly one-third of all non-married female seniors earn on average $13,151 – below the federal poverty level. The figure among men is only slightly higher at $17,611.

Disabled veterans and Railroad Retirement recipients will also receive a $250 stimulus payment, as covered in the Recovery Act. The checks are expected to go out in late May and June.

Melancon said in total, more than 50 million Americans will get this one-time payment.