OLYMPIA – Some Washington residents are among the more than 50 million people in the United States who became eligible May 1 for a one-time $250 economic recovery payment.

Certain beneficiaries who receive Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Railroad Retirement and Veterans benefits will receive the payment as part of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

If individuals were eligible for one of these benefits at any time during the months of November 2008, December 2008 or January 2009, they may be eligible for the one-time payment.

The payment is automatic and no action is required by potential recipients. Individuals will receive the payment the same way they currently receive their federal benefit - whether by check, direct deposit or Direct Express debit card. The one-time payment will be sent separate from their regular monthly benefit payment.

Additionally, if both a beneficiary and his or her spouse receive Social Security or SSI benefits, each of them will get the $250 payment.

Individuals should receive their one-time payment by the end of May. However, if payments have not been received by June 4, 2009, those who believe they are eligible should contact the Social Security Administration. More information about the one-time economic recovery payment is available at www.ssa.gov/payment.

Beneficiaries may report suspicious activity involving the one-time payment or other Social Security programs to the Social Security Fraud Hotline Web site at http://www.ssa.gov/oig/hotline/  or by calling 1-800-269-0271.

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DSHS does not discriminate and provides equal access to its programs and services for all persons without regard to race, color, gender, religion, creed, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, age, veteran's status or the presence of any physical, sensory or mental disability.