Most of our Los Angeles readers know by now that the application process for receiving either Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be difficult. But, for those who go through the process and are approved to receive benefits, there is likely a huge sense of relief. However, for those who receive SSI benefits, it is important to remember that the work is not done after the benefits begin.
Los Angeles residents who receive Supplemental Security Income need to remember that they are obligated to report many different changes to the Social Security Administration (SSA). For instance, certain household changes need to be reported, such as an individual either moving in with the benefits recipient or moving out. In addition, a change in address needs to be reported, as does the change of an account used for direct deposit. If a benefits recipient gets married, divorced or has a child, all of these are the types of changes that need to be reported to the SSA. But, there is one change that is probably the most important to report: when a person either starts or stops working.
Why do these changes need to be reported to the SSA? Well, quite simply, these types of changes could have a direct impact on the amount of the monthly benefits that are distributed by the SSA. As previous posts here have detailed, Supplemental Security Income is a needs-based benefit. Only those who are living under a certain income threshold and who have limited resources are eligible to receive SSI benefits.
SSD benefits and SSI are complicated, and the SSA does not make even receiving benefits easier. Nonetheless, understanding your rights and obligations under the system can ensure that you attain, or maintain, your benefits.
Source: SocialSecurity.gov, “What You Need to Know When You Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI),” accessed on Sept. 26, 2015
