Social Security Changes Make It Easier to Get SSI Benefits

Photo byJakub PabisonUnsplash

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has made changes to its Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program to help more people qualify for benefits and make it easier for current recipients to receive more money. SSI provides monthly payments to people with disabilities, blindness, or those over age 65 who have little income or savings.

"These changes will help more people access crucial SSI benefits," said Martin O'Malley, Commissioner of Social Security. "By simplifying and expanding our policies, we are making SSI smarter, removing barriers to accessing payments, and reducing the burden on the public and agency staff.”

Here’s a breakdown of the key changes:

1. Food Won't Affect SSI Payments Anymore: Previously, if someone received free food from friends or family, it could reduce their SSI payments. Now, food is no longer counted when deciding how much SSI someone should get. This change could increase payments by about $131 per month for over 90,000 people.
2. Rental Assistance Rules Expanded: In the past, people receiving help with rent in only seven states could still qualify for SSI without it affecting their payments. Now, this exception applies nationwide, meaning more people who pay rent will qualify for SSI or receive higher payments. This change could boost payments by about $132 per month for around 41,000 people.
3. Simplified Household Rules: The definition of "public assistance households" has been expanded. First, SNAP (food stamp) benefits now count toward public assistance. Second, not everyone in a household needs to receive public aid for the home to be considered a public assistance household. These changes could increase payments for about 277,000 people and make it easier for more people to qualify for SSI.

These updates aim to reduce the burden on people applying for or receiving SSI and make it easier for them to access the money they need for basic living expenses like rent, food, and medication.

For more details on SSI eligibility and how to apply, visit the SSA website.