Supplemental Security Income (SSI) offers financial assistance to people in numerous situations. SSI benefits are available to children with disabling medical conditions and adults with little or no work history because of their medical challenges. People who are blind and older adults with limited income are also potentially eligible for SSI.
SSI is a needs-based program, and those with limited resources and difficulty working can use SSI to cover some of their basic living expenses. Recently, the Social Security Administration (SSA) proposed changes to the rules about qualifying for SSI that could result in 400,000 people or more becoming ineligible for benefits or receiving a lower amount of SSI each month.
What is the proposed rule?
Currently, there are a few shortcuts available when trying to qualify for SSI benefits. People who receive benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), for example, automatically qualify for SSI.
Under the proposed rule, they would not necessarily be eligible for SSI just because they are eligible for SNAP benefits. The new rule also creates stricter standards for what qualifies as a “public assistance household.”
By eliminating the rule that treats SNAP benefits as public assistance, the SSA could deny thousands of people SSI benefits and reduce the monthly benefits paid to thousands of others. For those who may have previously relied on benefits, a thorough financial review could help them determine whether they are still eligible.
Discussing SSI eligibility and household finances with a disability attorney can help people preserve their benefits or determine if they are likely to qualify for them. SSI is an important financial safety net for people who cannot work because of their medical challenges, and ensuring continued eligibility is key for those who rely on SSI for their basic expenses
