The Social Security Administration said there are now several new rules for the Supplemental Security Income program. (Disability Scoop)
Several updates to Supplemental Security Income are taking effect, which will affect how benefits are calculated, ease the reporting burden and likely expand the number of people who qualify for the program.
The Social Security Administration said it is implementing changes this week to policies related to its rental subsidy, the definition of a public assistance household and how it handles food in calculations for what is known as “support and maintenance.” in kind.”
All of the changes were announced earlier this year as part of a broader effort to simplify the SSI program.
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About 7.5 million Americans, including many with disabilities, receive SSI each month, with a maximum federal benefit of $943 for individuals and $1,415 for couples. However, recipients must follow strict and often complicated rules to maintain their eligibility.
With the changes, Social Security said it will no longer consider food assistance from friends, family or others in the community when calculating benefits. That will mean an increase of about $131 a month for more than 90,000 beneficiaries and could make more people eligible for benefits, officials said.
The agency is also updating its rent subsidy policy to be more uniform across the country, which is expected to offer about 41,000 people an increase of about $132 per month in benefits.
Additionally, Social Security is making it easier to qualify as a “welfare home,” which the agency says could increase benefits for some, reduce reporting requirements and help more people qualify for SSI.
“These changes will help more people access crucial SSI benefits,” said Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley. “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.”
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