The Social Security Administration (SSA) has recently introduced several changes aimed at making it easier for individuals to access Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, and to broaden the pool of those eligible for such aid. Among the most notable changes are the removal of food from the in-kind support and maintenance (ISM) calculations, as well as the expansion of rental subsidy policies nationwide.
These changes, which took effect last Tuesday, are designed to reduce barriers for people needing financial assistance, helping them secure the benefits they require more easily.
Changes in food calculations for Social Security
One significant change is that the SSA will no longer include food in ISM calculations, which used to lower SSI payments if a person received food assistance informally from friends or family. Under the previous rules, receiving food in this way was considered unearned income, which negatively impacted the amount of SSI benefits a person could receive.
With this new approach, Social Security will no longer count food assistance from family or community sources when determining eligibility and monthly payments. This not only simplifies the calculation process but also leads to more consistent monthly payments. As a result, beneficiaries can expect more stability in their payments, with fewer fluctuations and a clearer understanding of what they are entitled to receive.
Expansion of rental subsidy policy
Another important change is the expansion of the rental subsidy policy, which has now been rolled out nationwide. Previously, this policy was only available in seven states. As of October 1st, the new regulations apply across the country, enabling more individuals to benefit from rental subsidy exemptions. This shift will reduce penalties for those living in subsidized housing or receiving rental discounts.
For example, if someone rented a home with a market value of $800 but only paid $600 due to a subsidy, the $200 difference was previously counted as a rental subsidy and deducted from their SSI payment. With the new regulations, this subsidy will have a reduced impact on their monthly SSI benefits, allowing recipients to receive higher SSI payments.
Broader definition of households receiving public assistance
In addition to these changes, Social Security has broadened the definition of a household receiving public assistance. Now, households that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and other forms of public aid are included, even if not all members of the household are beneficiaries. Previously, a household was only classified as receiving public assistance if every member received some type of aid.
This updated policy expands access to SSI for more individuals living in households where only some members receive assistance. It also lessens the reporting burden for those residing in such households, streamlining the application and maintenance process for SSI benefits.
Impact on SSI recipients
These modifications mark a significant step toward simplifying SSI policies, making it easier for low-income individuals to access this vital support. According to the SSA, these reforms are expected to increase the amount of money beneficiaries receive each month, while also simplifying the application process by removing unnecessary barriers.
Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley has highlighted that these changes aim to improve the system and alleviate burdens on both applicants and agency staff. By making the rules clearer and easier to understand, the SSA is working to ensure more people can receive the payments they need without the previous complications.
