Collect Social Security? You get $250

The White House announced today that people who receive Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits will be getting a bonus $250 check courtesy of the economic stimulus package.

No action is required to get the payment, the White House says. The $250 checks will be sent separately from regular benefit payments, and the Social Security Administration expects everyone who is entitled to a payment to receive them by late May 2009.

In a video posted on the Social Security web site, Darlynda Bogle explained how the payments would be delivered.

• If you receive your Social Security or SSI benefit payment by direct deposit in your bank, we'll deposit the $250 one-time payment in your bank. Direct Deposit is the fast, safe and most reliable way to receive monthly Social Security benefits. We encourage all of our beneficiaries to use Direct Deposit.
• If you get your Social Security or SSI benefit payment in the mail, we'll send your $250 one-time payment by mail. 
• If your benefit goes directly to your Direct Express debit card, we'll deposit the $250 one-time payment to your debit card. We'll send your one-time economic recovery payment separately from your Social Security or SSI benefit; it won't be included with your monthly benefit payment.

For details on the one-time payments, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/payment.