(Updated: February 17, 2009 at 3:03 PM CT)

President Barack Obama signed the $787 billion stimulus package Tuesday, paving the way for funding and stimulus payments benefiting those with disabilities. Here are some of the highlights:

• Stimulus Payments: A one-time $250 stimulus payment for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. To receive the payment, you must be an adult who has been eligible to receive SSI sometime within the last three months. Payments are expected to be sent in May 2009 separately from regular benefit payments. The money will be sent automatically to those who qualify via whatever method regular benefits are sent — direct deposit, check or on a Direct Express debit card.

• Funding for IDEA: $12.2 billion goes toward funding special education for the 6.8 million students with disabilities.

• Medicaid: $87 billion in aid to states to help cover the cost of Medicaid.

The White House launched a new Web site, www.recovery.gov, to provide citizens information about where money from the economic stimulus package is going.

“We have begun the essential work of keeping the American dream alive,” Obama said just before signing the bill. “We will leave this struggling economy behind us and come out the other side more prosperous as a people.”

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Previous stories on this topic:

Votes Expected On Stimulus Compromise (February 13, 2009)

Stimulus Passes Senate With Special Ed. Funding, SSI Payments (February 10, 2009)

House Passes Stimulus Plan (January 28, 2009)

Senate Stimulus Proposal Less Promising For Those With Disabilities (January 23, 2009)

Disabilities Front And Center On Obama’s To-Do List (January 21, 2009)

Stimulus Proposal Offers Payment, Aid To People With Disabilities (January 16, 2009)

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