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Government House on Monday clarified details on Social Security stipend checks being managed by the Office of Management, which provided scant details about the disbursement last week.
The funds are being distributed as part of President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act from the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to Bryan administration Communications Director Richard Motta, these funds are being made available from the American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, which allows for helping households respond to the negative economic impacts of the pandemic.
The $500 stipend payment will be issued to Social Security recipients who are seniors or who are on disability, Gov't House said.
OMB will be distributing the checks this week on Wednesday, November 9, and Thursday, November 10, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. in both districts, the administration said.
Distribution on St. Thomas will be conducted in the Schneider Regional Medical Center's front parking lot, and on St. Croix in the parking lot of the “VIYA Building” in Estate Diamond.
On St. John, checks were made available for pick-up at the Administrator’s Office on Monday, November 7.
The payments come after a monthslong process during which the GVI worked to resolve issues with addresses provided by the SSA for Social Security recipients in the territory, according to Gov't House.
Recipients are required to present a valid picture I.D. to receive the stipend.
Eligible residents who cannot make it on either of the two distribution days, will be able to pick up their checks next week.
“We realize some individuals cannot physically pick up their checks in person and since the local government is unable to validate the accuracy of the addresses provided by the Social Security Administration, we are urging you or someone on your behalf to contact the Office of Management and Budget via email at [email protected], or call 340-774-0750,” Mr. Motta said.
Residents who contact OMB to verify their addresses should provide the agency with the following information:
- Name
- Last four digits of their Social Security number
- Phone number
- Correct address
After providing OMB with that information, arrangements will be made to have the checks mailed to those who are eligible, Mr. Motta said.
These funds are being made available from the American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund which allows for helping households respond to the negative economic impacts of the pandemic.
For more information, contact OMB’s main office on St. Thomas at 340-774-0750.
