The Social Security Administration sends monthly payments to over 7.5 million SSI recipients in the United States. Remember that the Supplemental Security Income is only for low-income families.
That is why it is so important that the money goes to those individuals and families that meet the requirements. So, if any personal circumstances affect your eligibility, you should report it as soon as possible. In this way, Social Security can send an accurate amount and avoid possible overpayments.
Things to report to SSA while on SSI
The Administration claims that you must report any changes that may affect your payment amount. For example, you must report to SSA any changes in your monthly income.
Besides, it is of vital importance that you also report any changes in resources. Both, income and resources can increase or decrease your monthly benefits. So, if you do not have any earnings and no resources, you may get more money than a beneficiary who gets Social Security retirement benefits.
Some beneficiaries may get married after receiving SSI benefits. This new situation may also affect your payment amount. So it is something you must inform the SSA.
Consequences of not reporting changes while on SSI
It is essential to report any changes to Social Security timely and accurately. Not doing so may have negative consequences. Sometimes you may be underpaid and you may not receive more money as soon as you should have received it.
When there is an overpayment, you must pay that money back. For your information, there could be penalties. Sometimes Social Security can reduce your SSI payment by $25 to $100 for each time you do not report a change.
If you report a change later than 10 days after the end of the month in which the change occurred, there can also be a reduction of up to $100. Making misleading or false statements, or not reporting changes willingly can result in sanctions against your SSI payments. Withholding can last for up to 24 months, but criminal penalties may also apply, even imprisonment.
