Washington, D.C. - Congressman John Barrow (GA-12) announced today that the federal government will send out personal economic recovery payments in the amount of $250 to Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits recipients beginning in early May 2009 and continuing throughout the month. The payments will be sent separately from the person's regular monthly payment, and recipients don't need to take any action to receive them.

"This puts spending money in the hands of the folks who need it the most," said Barrow. "This is good for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities, and it's good for the economy, because it'll inject more than $13 billion into the economy. Nobody can get well on this amount of help, but it'll help all recipients some, and it'll help those who need it the most a lot."

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. In order 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. People getting Social Security or SSI should not contact the agency unless they have not received their payment by June 4, 2009.

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Contact:  Jane Brodsky, (202) 225-2823

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