Benefits News: More SSI recipients can get their full benefits

What you need to know

The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced three key changes to how Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are calculated. Starting on September 30, 2024, these updated rules mean people with disabilities and older adults may be eligible for higher monthly benefit amounts.

What are the new rules?

Food support, like getting help from a family member with groceries, no longer counts as income
Discounted housing won’t reduce your benefits
Only one person in your household needs to receive public benefits (including SNAP) for you to be eligible for the max benefit

Keep reading to learn more about these new rules and how they might affect you.

Food no longer counts as income

Previously, getting help with food from family and friends counted as income that lowered your monthly SSI benefit. This was called an In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) reduction, and even having a family member bring you groceries would lower your income.

Now, SSI recipients won’t be penalized for getting help with food or groceries, no matter the source.

Discounted housing won’t cut into your benefits

Previously, SSI recipients were penalized for paying below-market rent, like renting from friends or family at a discounted rate.

Now, you won’t lose benefits for receiving any housing discounts, as long as you’re spending at least one-third of your monthly SSI payment on rent.

More households are eligible for the max benefit

Previously, SSI recipients only received full benefits if all members of their household received public benefits. SNAP also didn’t count as an eligible public assistance benefit under that rule.

Now, as long as anyone else you live with gets benefits, including SNAP, you’ll get the full SSI amount. The SSA no longer assumes that you have access to your housemates’ income and resources. Income used to calculate SNAP benefits for your family member won’t factor into your SSI income either.

When will I get my updated SSI payment?

Changes to your monthly payment are not automatic. Call 1-800-772-1213 to get your case reevaluated if you think you’re eligible for higher SSI payments.