The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced three significant changes to its Supplemental Security Income SSI program, aimed at providing greater support to individuals with low incomes or limited resources. These reforms are intended to remove barriers that have prevented many Americans from accessing more financial assistance, while also streamlining and expanding eligibility policies.
Starting this Monday, Supplemental Security Income applicants and recipients will no longer see their benefits reduced or denied because of any informal food assistance they may receive from family, friends, or local networks.
Increased SSI benefits for low-income individuals
Previously, informal food assistance was considered part of the agency’s in-kind support and maintenance (ISM) calculations, which could lead to a reduction in SSI payments. With this change, over 90,000 people are expected to see an average monthly increase of $131 in their payments, offering a substantial boost to those who rely on this assistance.
This adjustment is part of a broader effort to ensure that individuals with limited resources have access to a fairer and more adequate safety net. Additionally, it will expand eligibility, allowing more people to qualify for the benefit.
What is SSI, and how is eligibility determined?
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program was established in the 1970s to provide monthly financial assistance to individuals aged 65 and older, or those who are blind or disabled, and have limited income or resources. According to Commissioner Martin O’Malley, SSI is designed for those most in need, typically individuals with very low incomes.
Across the United States, approximately 248,300 people in Michigan receive SSI payments, including 31,576 children and young adults under the age of 18. To qualify for SSI, monthly earned income must not exceed $1,971, although this threshold varies for couples or parents applying on behalf of their children.
In addition to employment income, the SSA also considers other sources of income, such as pensions, unemployment benefits, or disability payments. There is an online calculator available at www.ssa.gov/ssi/eligibility to help applicants determine if they meet the qualifications. With these upcoming changes, the agency aims to simplify the entire application and management process for the program.
Expansion of rent subsidy exemption
Another change taking effect on Monday is the expansion of the rent subsidy exemption. Previously implemented in only seven states, this measure will now be applied nationwide, allowing more people to qualify for SSI and receive higher payments. This modification is expected to benefit around 41,000 individuals, with an estimated monthly payment increase of $132.
This adjustment will be particularly significant for those who rely on rent subsidies to maintain their housing. In the past, these subsidies could reduce the amount of money received through SSI. Under the new policy, applicants and recipients who receive rent subsidies will no longer see their eligibility or benefit amounts affected.
Inclusion of SNAP benefits
In addition to these changes, the SSA is expanding the category of public assistance that will be considered when calculating SSI benefits, now including benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This modification will simplify the application process for those who receive this form of food assistance.
As a result, not every household member receiving public assistance will need to be counted as part of a public assistance household when applying for Social Security benefits. This will enable more individuals to qualify for SSI, increase their monthly payments, and reduce reporting burdens for those living in households receiving public assistance.