Social security changes again in November

The Social Security Administration is the government organization responsible for administering and delivering millions of social services to eligible Americans. To achieve this effectively, they have different procedures, rules and an official payment schedule so that all recipients know when their money will arrive in their bank accounts. As the end of the year approaches, it’s important to remember the last changes the SSA implemented in early October for beneficiaries, especially those who qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you qualify for the SSI program, learn more about the three big changes from the federal agency.

3 Big Social Security Changes That Affected SSI Recipients

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) the program is one of the most important economic initiatives in the country, providing monthly benefits to more than seven million low-income Americans, the disabled and children in special circumstances. These monthly checks are critical for SSI recipients since the majority earn less than $1,910 and have few or no assets or resources. As a result, the SSI program has acted as a safety net for them, preventing them from slipping into poverty. Once candidates are accepted into the program, the Social Security Administration will calculate their monthly payment amount based on the recipient’s circumstances.

On average, SSI recipients can expect to receive about $698 per month, but other payment amounts are available depending on the application category when they apply for the program. For example, those who applied as individuals can expect to receive up to $943 a month, while those who applied as a couple can get up to $1,415. There is also another category available which is known as significant person (EP)giving them an extra $472 a month candidates who meet Social Security’s standards for this category. Aside from these broad standards, the SSA made three significant adjustments last month, which are listed below:

The public assistance household was redefined

The definition of a “public assistance household” has been redefined, which is one of the biggest changes. To be eligible for SSI benefits under these rules, a household must have at least one person receiving public assistance. However, under the new criteria, a household must have at least one other household member who receives some form of public assistance, subject to means verification, and only one SSI recipient.

In addition, the household’s public assistance package will now include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In addition to making an additional 109,000 people newly eligible for SSI benefits, this change is expected to improve payments for about 277,000 current SSI recipients.

A new rule for calculating the food aid for millions of recipients

Another significant change made by SSA is the treatment of food-related ISM in determining SSI eligibility. Previously, the SSA considered any type of food or housing assistance as unearned income, reducing a person’s eligibility for SSI benefits. This regulation has often been criticized as being overly burdensome and harmful to people in need of help; nevertheless, beneficiaries will now be able to receive food assistance from friends and family members without fear of losing their monthly benefits.

The rent subsidy policy was expanded

The third significant change concerns the Social Security Administration’s rent subsidy program. People who received reduced rent or other rental assistance in states such as Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, New York, Texas, Vermont and Wisconsin were previously exempt from penalties related to their SSI eligibility or monthly payment amounts. Now, this regulation will be expanded nationwide to ensure that rental assistance does not negatively impact Supplemental Security Income benefits in the United States.