WELFARE
The new Social Security requirement that will become effective in September: Who does it affect?
Some Social Security beneficiaries will benefit from a new change in what is classified as earned income, affecting benefits later in the year.
The Social Security Adminstration (SSA) has released a rule of regulations for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
According to what is established in the document, relief in the form of food, which falls into the category of support and maintenance in kind (ISM), will no longer be considered within the eligibility calculations for beneficiaries. Currently, relief for food and housing counts as unearned income, which reduces benefits significantly since, in the eyes of the SSA, the income is higher.
This new rule is expected to expand eligibility for SSI, as well as increase financial support for nearly 7.4 million residents who receive help from Supplemental Security Income. The new rule will go into effect. effective as of 30 September, 2024.
“[The new rule] represents a truly significant step to address one of the most complex, burdensome and inhumane policies affecting people with disabilities who receive SSI”, he noted for CNBC Darcy Milburn, director of Social Security and health care policy at The Arc, a nonprofit organization that provides care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
What is Supplemental Security Income?
The Supplemental Security Income program provides monthly payments to seniors, as well as people with disabilities, including children.
Adults with a disability can start their SSI application process online. SSI applications are not available online for people under 18 with a disability, or people over 65 without a disability.
Those under 18 with a disability and people 65 and older should make an appointment to visit their local Social Security office. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday, or online.
Once benefits are applied for and approved, SSA will send the monthly SSI payment on the first day of each month. Sometimes payments are sent during the last days of the month. This happens if the first day of the following month falls on a Saturday or Sunday. In those cases, payments are advanced to the previous Friday.