Social Security is - by law - required to issue past-due Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in installments when SSI back pay equals or exceeds three times the current maximum individual Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) plus any federally administered State supplement.  

According to Jack Myers at Social Security, in Illinois there is no federally administered State supplement, so it is 3 times the FBR - currently $943 per month - or $2829 in back pay. This means that if a person is eligible for more than $2829 in SSI backpay, Social Security often has to pay that in installments rather than all at once. 

The installments are generally limited to three installments spaced 6 months apart. However, Myers notes the installment payment process is not required when an individual has a medical condition which is expected to result in death within 12 months or is no longer eligible for SSI and is determined likely to remain ineligible for SSI for the next 12 months.

According to Myers, Qualifying debts and expenses that will enable us to release more than 3 times the FBR include debts or expenses.

Recipients who are waiting on installment payments and have the qualifying debts/expenses can contact their local Social Security office to request release of additional monies. Myers encourages being prepared to request a specific amount based on the debt or expense you have. 

Myers stresses this is limited to back pay that a recipient is eligible for and waiting to receive in installments.  It is a change that may permit earlier access to that money, but it is not a new type of benefit.