WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Jim Himes announced today that starting tomorrow Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries in Connecticut will begin receiving $250 checks to supplement their regular benefits. The one-time payments are part of the Recovery Act passed by Congress and earlier this year and will directly help over 550,000 Connecticut residents.

“When we passed the Recovery Act, we wanted to get money back into the economy as quickly as possible,” said Congressman Himes. “This one-time payment to seniors, disabled veterans, and SSI recipients stimulates our economy by putting money in the pockets of those who need it most.”

Social Security will begin disbursement of the payments this week and continue throughout May. Later this month, similar $250 payments will be sent to Railroad Retirement Board beneficiaries, followed by Veteran Compensation and Pension beneficiaries in June. Altogether, Connecticut residents will receive $137,697,000.

Eligible individuals will receive their $250 checks automatically. No action is needed to apply. To receive the payments, individuals needed to be eligible for benefits during November 2008, December 2008 or January 2009.

Those who have not received their payment by June 4 should contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. For more information, go to:www.socialsecurity.gov/payment/