Social Security Changes Again in October – New Updates Announced

Social Security programs often bring to mind retirement benefits, but there’s more to the system. Millions of Americans rely on other financial aid programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI). While over 64 million receive retirement benefits, about 7 million Americans benefit from SSI.

These individuals typically have limited income, earning less than $1,917 per month, and need help covering essential living costs. To qualify for SSI, applicants must meet strict financial criteria. On average, individuals can receive up to $943 monthly, while couples may get up to $1,415.

Starting October 2024, three important rule changes will be introduced to expand access to SSI benefits. Here’s what you need to know.

In-Kind Support

A significant change is coming to the way in-kind support and maintenance (ISM) is treated. Previously, any form of housing or food assistance, such as help from family or friends, was considered unearned income. This often led to a reduction in the recipient’s SSI benefits. However, the new rule eliminates this penalty, allowing individuals to accept food aid without fearing a cut in their monthly payments.

This adjustment marks a critical improvement for those in need. The Arc, an organization dedicated to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, views this as a much-needed reform to a policy often criticized as unfair. With this new flexibility, the program should better support low-income individuals without punishing them for receiving essential help from their social circle.

Household Definition

Another major update involves a new definition of “household receiving public assistance.” Previously, for a household to qualify for SSI, one member needed to be receiving public aid. The updated rule broadens this definition. Now, a household will qualify if one member is an SSI recipient and another receives public assistance, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

This change will benefit hundreds of thousands of households. It removes bureaucratic obstacles, simplifying eligibility while ensuring more people qualify for higher payments. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), approximately 277,000 current SSI beneficiaries will see an increase in their payments, while an additional 109,000 people will become eligible for SSI benefits.

Rent Subsidies

The third key change concerns the rent subsidy policy. Currently, the rent subsidy policy only applies in seven states due to court rulings. These states are Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, New York, Texas, Vermont, and Wisconsin. In these places, discounted rent does not significantly affect a person’s SSI eligibility or payment. But the new rule will extend this more favorable approach nationwide.

With this expansion, more SSI applicants and beneficiaries across the country will be able to qualify for higher payments even if they receive rental assistance. This change will particularly help low-income individuals who rely on reduced rent rates to stay financially afloat. The expansion of the rent subsidy policy reflects a broader effort by the SSA to make SSI more accessible and equitable.

The upcoming changes to the Supplemental Security Income program mark an important step toward making benefits more accessible and fair for low-income Americans. Whether it’s the new treatment of in-kind support, the expanded household definition, or the nationwide rent subsidy policy, each change is designed to remove barriers that previously made it difficult for individuals to access the assistance they need.

These updates will help improve the financial security of millions of people, providing greater relief for some of the country’s most vulnerable citizens.

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