Social Security recipients will see three ‘significant’ changes as new rules start in weeks – bigger checks are coming

BIG changes are coming to Social Security with new rules taking effect.

The updates will impact about 7 million Americans taking Supplemental Security Income, or SSI.

The new rules aim to “expand the definition of a public assistance household,” according to the Social Security Administration.

The program is intended to pay adults over 65, as well as people with disabilities or blindness.

The changes will make more people eligible.

They’ll take effect on September 30.

THREE TWEAKS

New rules will redefine what households can get SSI.

The administration will allow SSI to go to those living in households where not everyone qualifies for public assistance.

It will also make SSI available for people on SNAP food benefits.

The agency will also begin removing food benefits from its calculations of how much “unearned income” a person receives.

Removing food from the calculus could increase the amount that SSI recipients qualify for.

Lastly, some SSI recipients will get a rent subsidy as the administration is expanding a program it already supports in seven states.

“I’m committed to making systemic changes to help people access the critical benefits they need, including SSI,” Martin O’Malley, the commissioner of Social Security, said.

“By simplifying our policies and including an additional program targeted to low-income families, such as SNAP, we are removing significant barriers to accessing SSI,” O’Malley said in a separate statement.

Each of the three changes will take effect at the end of next month.

“I’m committed to making systemic changes to help people access the critical benefits they need, including SSI."

SOCIAL SECURITY NEWS

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However, a calendar oddity means the next checks are going out a little early.

Since September 1 is a Sunday, when mail is not delivered, recipients will get their checks sent in advance.

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Seniors are set to get a few percentage points more to help them cope with inflation.

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Meanwhile, one historic data breach has revealed many people’s Social Security numbers.