Social Security to Remove Barriers to Accessing SSI Payments
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: March 27, 2024
Today, the Social Security Administration published a final rule, “Omitting Food from In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) Calculations.” The final rule announces the first of several updates to the agency’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) regulations that will help people receiving and applying for SSI.
“A vital part of our mission is helping people access crucial benefits, including SSI,” said Martin O’Malley, Commissioner of Social Security. “Simplifying our policies is a common-sense solution that reduces the burden on the public and agency staff and helps promote equity by removing barriers to accessing payments.”
SSI provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness, and to adults aged 65 and older, who have limited income and resources. SSI benefits help pay for basic needs like rent, food, clothing, and medicine. People applying for and receiving SSI must meet eligibility requirements, including income and resource limits. Under our old rules, ISM includes food, shelter, or both a person receives – the agency counts ISM as unearned income, which may affect a person’s eligibility or reduce their payment amount.
Under the final rule, beginning September 30, 2024, the agency will no longer include food in ISM calculations. The new policy removes a critical barrier for SSI eligibility due to an applicant’s or recipient’s receipt of informal food assistance from friends, family, and community networks of support. The new policy further helps in several important ways: the change is easier to understand and use by applicants, recipients, and agency employees; applicants and recipients have less information to report about food assistance received from family and friends, removing a significant source of burden; reducing month-to-month variability in payment amounts will improve payment accuracy; and the agency will see administrative savings because less time will be spent administering food ISM.
The agency continuously examines programmatic policy and makes regulatory and sub-regulatory changes as appropriate. Look for more SSI announcements in the coming weeks.
For more information on the SSI program, including who is eligible and how to apply, visit Supplemental Security Income.
To read the final rule “Omitting Food from In-Kind Support and Maintenance Calculations,” visit Federal Register: Omitting Food From In-Kind Support and Maintenance Calculations.
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Shawna
So if I’m reading this article and the one previously properly by the end of September Food and housing assistance will no longer count against me? As a single mom with a special needs son this would be a blessing
Carol
Man I am 47 and have heart failure, kidney failure, chronic back pain, high blood pressure, obesity, anxiety and because when I was diagnosed with heart failure I had no insurerance so was referred to a clinic, then received Ambetter and my pcp was through an app, finally received medicaid and the Dr through wake forest put info on my record that was not true and I didn’t see it til they wouldn’t respond to my pharmacy for my meds after the third visit. I went on line to find out about my medications and read the false things she had on my record so I put in a request to havd them removed and sense she has been retaliating against me. The referral to the cardiologist from her I go to the appointment and they refused to see me saying the referral was too old. It was 5mths old and it was the first appointment for an office close I could get to and referrals last a year. So now my medicines running out. I don’t have a Dr. And not getting the care I need and My disability that had been going on two years just got denied and when I got the denile letter it didn’t even have my heart or kidney failure and that was why I call to try and get it started and the local office filed out my application over the phone
Tammy L.
When I finally got my check it said I could use my hands that was in 2015 after I had a brain tumor reduction surgery. Then they sent me papers that was from 2000 that said I couldn’t use my hands. They do want they want.
Carol
Man I am 47 and have heart failure, kidney failure, chronic back pain, high blood pressure, obesity, anxiety and because when I was diagnosed with heart failure I had no insurerance so was referred to a clinic, then received Ambetter and my pcp was through an app, finally received medicaid and the Dr through wake forest put info on my record that was not true and I didn’t see it til they wouldn’t respond to my pharmacy for my meds after the third visit. I went on line to find out about my meds and read the false things she had on my record so I put in a request to havd them removed and sense she has been retaliating against me. The referral to the cardiologist from her I go to the appointment and they refused to see me saying the referral was too old. It was 5mths old and it was the first appointment for an office close I could get to and referrals last a year. So now my meds are running out. I don’t have a Dr. And not getting the care I need and My disability that had been going on two years just got denied and when I got the denile letter it didn’t even have my heart or kidney failure and that was why I call to try and get it started and the local office filed out my application over the phone
Carol
Man I am 47 and have heart failure, kidney failure, chronic back pain, high blood pressure, obesity, anxiety and because when I was diagnosed with heart failure I had no insurerance so was referred to a clinic, then received Ambetter and my pcp was through an app, finally received medicaid and the Dr through wake forest put info on my record that was not true and I didn’t see it til they wouldn’t respond to my pharmacy for my meds after the third visit. I went on line to find out about my meds and read the false things she had on my record so I put in a request to havd them removed and sense she has been retaliating against me. The referral to the cardiologist from her I go to the appointment and they refused to see me saying the referral was too old. It was 5mths old and it was the first appointment for an office close I could get to and referrals last a year. So now my meds are running out. I don’t have a Dr. And not getting the care I need and Mt disability that had been going on two years just got denied and when I got the denile letter it didn’t even have my heart or kidney failure and that was why I call to try and get it started and the local office filed out my application over the phone
ALLEN O.
Lost apartment and vehicle due to my telephone SSA certification interview. Completed application and was informed that instead of receiving my current SSI payment of $941.00,I would now be receiving $715 SSA and my regular 941 dollar payment for the next two months then it would revert back to a 715 ssa check and on a couple hundred dollars as a reduction in ssi. Whoever interviewed me two months ago evidently failed to enter recertification for ssi . When I contacted local social security field office to inform them that I was in Dire straights because my last 941 dollars was canceled for recertification and that the soonest I could speak with anyone to expedite and or correct their mistake I would just have to wait until June 17 to even get recertification complete. Meanwhile I have been served EVICTION NOTICE AND HAD AUTOMOBILE REPOSSESSED !!!! IM absolutely ruined because I had nothing to pay for squat on my past due payments .why should I be put in the streets on foot due to neglected entries and apparent oversight on their behalf ? Just curious.
S.D.
We’re sorry to hear about your situation, Allen. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We encourage you to continue to work with your local Social Security office. We hope this is resolved soon.
Meee
Ya they’re just passing the buck daily now and it’s a shame this program is so departmentalized that people suffer from the red tape bureaucracy 💩
Heidy
How is possible my dad has his benefits reduce by almost $300 when nothing in he’s life have changed. Since he is disabled everything still the same in his life. I don’t understand.
S.S.
We’re sorry to hear about your experience, Heidy. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We encourage you to continue to work with your local Social Security office. You can ask to speak with a supervisor during your next call or visit. Or you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. We hope this is resolved soon.
ALLEN O.
That’s a freaking awesome joke ,u should consider stand ^up
Robert
I received 840 a month and now I have Medicaid which pays for Medicare so I think it’s wrong taking out the 170 I have supplemental insurance with part A&B and my Medicaid pays for my medicare and they want to deduct 300 and something dollars out I do not think it is right definitely will be appealing it it’s hard enough as it is Cola and the cost of living and inflation so anyway names Robert Owens Tolleson
S.D.
Hi, Robert. Thanks for reading our blog and for your comments. Please contact your Medicaid office if the Medicare Part B premium of $174.70 is still being deducted from your Social Security benefit. It is generally up to the states to make sure that people on Medicaid and Medicare are enrolled in Part B buy-in. For more information about Medicare Savings Programs and for contact information for Medicaid offices in your state, visit Medicare.gov. If you need further assistance, you may want to contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program. We hope this helps.
Arthur s.
Will SSI be getting less money now since they’re taking off for food
Beth B.
This is a very hard hitting rule! I do not receive food from anyone else and I along with my son rely on the food assistance…it is just him and I. I am on disability and receive the food assistance because I am dual complete. Now I won’t have help feeding myself or my son!! This absolutely brings me to tears because it is hard enough as it is right now. Is there another option to receive food assistance? Please dear lord help!!!!!!!!
Americansarehurting
Not sure if you understood this article fully or not. What it’s basically saying is. They won’t count help with food towards your eligibility requirement. So basically if you’re getting help with food from family or friends. They won’t ask about it. Won’t change your current benefits. They did not write this article clear enough for everyone.
Beth M.
A long shot but if you are getting SSI have you added your son so he gets a benefit too.
John C.
I would like to know if illegal immigrants are receiving money from the social security account. Also who will be eligible this coming September 30th. If they have not paid into this, they should not have any rights to it.
Kelli S.
Children and adults with lifelong disabilities receive SSI. They’re not now and likely have never been able to “pay into” the system. That doesn’t change their needs to survive. Look deeper into what you are really concerned with and adjust your mindset.
Shift your focus away from whether a child or adult is an immigrant. Remove your personal biases on where they’re from. Instead consider humanity and that survival is something all deserve no matter what.
Usedommonsense
That money doesn’t come from thin air. Americans are paying taxes for it. So I have to disagree that someone who’s not here long enough to pay those taxes for it. Should receive it. Not a biased opinion. It’s what most all Americans say. You’re welcome to accept them into your home and spend your own money for them.
LB
Why be angry at the immigrants. BE MAD AT BILLIONAIRES AND BILLION DOLLAR COMPANIES THAT DON’T PAY FAIR SHARE IN TAXES!!!!
Don’t be fooled these rich politicians want you to not see what they’re doing with billionaires by getting you focused on immigrants!
THOMAS P.
a foolish statement. I’ve worked my entire life with a bad back, paying taxes in my own country. These people probably had to pay some kind of taxes where they are from. Mostly, young men are now crossing into our country from our adversaries. This is about legit American people getting back what they put into a basic business Called AMERICA! MY ANCESTORS FOUGHT FOR THIS BENIFIT! FIGHT FOR YOUR OWN COUNTRY.
Brianna B.
Facts
Patriot
Kelli S,
Think about what you are saying. The federal government exports money from its citizens under threat of violence. (If you don’t pay, they send people with guns to your house, usually for a pre-dawn raid) Please explain how extorting money from the citizens under threat of violence is something that we deserve. This country revolted against England for pennies in taxes, and now we say “Thank you” when they take more than we get after payroll taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, taxes on services, and special “tax stamps” on items that the government deems dangerous unless you pay them a tax.
Monica W.
I’M COMMENTING ON WHAT WAS SAID PREVIOUS ABOUT THE IMMIGRANTS WHICH I COULD CARE LESS BECAUSE I DO BELIEVE IN IN MANKIND AND HUMANITY MY ISSUE IS I AM VERY DISABLED AND WAS DENIED BEFORE I STARTED RECEIVING THE SSI I’M IN A SITUATION I GET NONE OF THESE EXTRA BENEFITS I’M 59 YEARS OLD
Girliemeisje
It’s likely also very unlikely that immigrants and their children will receive these benefits because it’s very difficult to fit all the requirements. Esp if you don’t have a medical history here.
And republicans will only make sure less people will receive it. Because they don’t think any person should receive “ free” money no matter if they are disabled.
AS P.
WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG.
Beth M.
Re apply .A good percent of applicants are denied first time .If they deny it again and you have not been able to work . Get a lawyer consult… you will get benefits pro rated and lawyer gets part too
Girliemeisje
John, I don’t think you understand how difficult it is to qualify for this type of assistance. For it you need a medical history including doctors who agree you have a disability IN THIS country. You can’t take your medical history with you. Legal immigrants don’t have insurance necessary or can even work, and need to pay for any medical assistance themselves and so they usually don’t. It’s a years long process.
Get it out of your head, it’s already difficult to apply and receive assistance as and American let alone illegal immigrants, not one single illegal immigrant would qualify for it, ok?
Doa
GOD BLESS YOU THEY ALL NEED TO GO BACK N GET OUT OF OUR COUNTRY THEY DO NOT DESERVE ANYTHING WERE IN A CRISIS WITH WHAT BIDEN DID I CONTINUE TO 🙏 FOR ALL OF US… PLEASE TAKE CARE
Kim R.
I Would Like To Know How Come My Dad That’s 90 Years Old Is Only Receiving $357.00 Dollars A Month For SSI, He Has Multiple Health Problems, Physically & Mentally, How Can I Get His SSI Reevaluate To See If He Qualifies For A Higher Rate Of SSI Benefits ?
S.D.
We’re sorry to hear about your father’s situation, Kim. For security reasons, we do not have access to private information in this venue. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) makes payments to people with disabilities, or people who are 65 and older, who have limited income and resources. The monthly federal SSI payment in 2024 is $943, though some states offer an extra payment called a state supplement. Because SSI is a needs-based program, your father’s SSI payment may be lower based on his income and living situation. For more information, check out How much you could get from SSI.
To speak with a representative, you and your father can contact his local Social Security office or call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. If your father needs help managing his benefits, you may want to apply to become his representative payee. We hope this helps.
Sharon
I’m on disability , SSDI. NOT SSI.which people whom have hardly worked keep getting More and More assistance..I worked 32 years before I became Disabled..I’m tired of being turned down for any kind of help..( Not everyone has family or a husband.. All I hear is your SSDI IS YOUR INCOME..YOU need different income charts..So more people get help..Why should my refrigerator be empty ! Why should I have to go bankrupt after having good credit my whole life ? Because no program would help me with my electric bill, rental assistance or food ? But those that don’t work have full refrigerators .
S.S.
Hi, Sharon. Thanks for reading our blog. Depending on your monthly income, you may be eligible for food stamps. You should contact your local Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) office. Or you can call the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s SNAP information line at 1-800-221-5689. We hope this helps.
Hannah
Hello I receive SSDI due to lifelong surgeries but in between surgeries I worked and now that I am not able to It seems like I can’t get help other then $791 a month I thought I should getting SSI along with SS but they turn me down they also turn me down on Widow benefits said I told them I didn’t want it not once but twice I may not want it but I need it I’m struggling bad just to pay rent I have I to just suffer on other things I need I sure didn’t tell them I didn’t sure didn’t tell them I didn’t want it How can I get it
S.S.
We’re sorry to hear about your experience, Hannah. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We encourage you to continue to work with your local Social Security Office. Or you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. We hope this is resolved soon.
Girliemeisje
If you qualify for widow benefits you simply qualify for them and request them. You should be able to specifically make an appointment for this. Please do, I think but not sure, within 2 years you can still receive those payments up to 2 years ago