Seniors outside the OMB office on St. Croix at the former "Viya Building" on Wed. Nov. 9, 2022. Photo Credit: V.I. CONSORTIUM
Government House announced Thursday that Governor Albert Bryan has directed the Office of Management and Budget to use the Rudolph Schulterbrandt Agricultural Grounds in Estate Lower Love on St. Croix when the agency resumes the distribution of Social Security Stipend checks next week, beginning Monday, November 14.
The check distribution was suspended on St. Croix Wednesday because of OMB's failure to adequately plan and strategize for the stipend distribution. According to Gov't House, 22,000 Social Security recipients or disabled adults are eligible for the $500 payment
Governor Bryan and OMB Director Jenifer O’Neal apologized for the inconveniences many experienced on Wednesday, Gov't House said. The release further states that Mr. Bryan and Ms. O'Neal have identified issues that needed to be corrected and found a more accommodating location.
Checks on St. Croix will be distributed alphabetically by last name using drive-through lanes throughout next week at the fairgrounds. Walk-ups will also be accommodated at this location.
Distribution will continue as scheduled on St. Thomas, including next week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, November 14-18, at the Schneider Regional Medical Center front parking lot. On St. John, the checks continue to be available at the St. John Administrator’s Office.
Beginning Monday on St. Croix, residents can receive their checks according to alphabetical breakdown by last name from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ag Fair grounds.
Checks will be distributed alphabetically as follows:
- A-F: Monday, November 14
- G-L: Tuesday, November 15
- M-R: Wednesday, November 16
- S-Z: Thursday, November 17
Residents who are unable to pick up their checks on the day assigned to them alphabetically will be able to pick them up from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, November 18 at the Agriculture fairgrounds.
If necessary, manual distribution of checks will continue past November 18.
OMB also is encouraging residents in both districts to use the option to receive their Social Security Stipends by mail.
To receive their stipends by mail, recipients can send an email to [email protected] with “SSA Stipend” in the subject line and provide the following information:
- Name
- Last four digits of their Social Security number
- Phone number
- Correct address
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.
