Social Security Officially Announces – 3 New Changes Confirmed for October

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently introduced three significant changes to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, directly impacting hundreds of low-income Americans, people with disabilities, and eligible children. These changes aim to address some of the long-standing issues in the SSI system and help beneficiaries cope with the increasing cost of living.

SSI is a critical support system, but strict rules have made it challenging for many to receive full benefits. With these updates, millions could see an increase in their monthly payments. Let’s break down the three changes that are likely to affect SSI recipients and those who might now become eligible for the program.

IMS Rule

One of the major updates is the change to the in-kind support and maintenance (IMS) rule. Previously, any food provided by friends or family could reduce SSI benefits. Under the new rule, the SSA will no longer count food assistance from family or friends when determining eligibility or the amount of monthly SSI benefits.

This is a significant change because it will allow more people to qualify for SSI and result in higher payments for those who receive outside help with food. The SSA estimates that around 90,000 individuals will see a monthly increase of $131 due to this update. By removing this limitation, the SSA acknowledges the importance of community support without penalizing recipients.

Rental Subsidy Exception

Another important change is the extension of the rental subsidy exception. Until now, only seven states offered a waiver for certain rental subsidies, allowing recipients in these states to exclude certain rental assistance from their income calculations. This exception will now apply nationwide.

This adjustment will increase the number of people eligible for SSI and raise monthly payments for about 41,000 people, with an estimated $132 increase in their benefits. For many low-income individuals and families, especially those living in subsidized housing, this change can provide much-needed relief.

New Household

The third change addresses the definition of a public assistance household. Previously, to qualify as a public assistance household, all members needed to receive public assistance. This narrow definition excluded many households from qualifying for certain benefits. The SSA will now include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in the definition and remove the requirement that all members of a household must receive public assistance.

This broader definition will likely increase the number of households that qualify for SSI. The SSA estimates that approximately 277,000 more people will become eligible for SSI under this new rule, and it will also reduce the reporting requirements for these households.

What This Means

The SSA’s changes are part of ongoing efforts to reduce the burden on SSI recipients, clarify the rules, and offer more substantial financial support. While some aspects of the program, such as asset limits, are under Congress’s control, these administrative changes reflect a step forward in making the program more accessible.

The SSA aims to remove barriers to receiving benefits, particularly for individuals and families who depend on food assistance or rental subsidies. With the cost of living rising steadily, these updates are a positive change for many beneficiaries.

If you or someone you know is considering applying for SSI, these new rules might make it easier to qualify or increase the benefits you receive. It’s a good idea to talk to a Social Security expert or financial advisor to understand how these changes might affect your eligibility.

If you are already receiving SSI, keep an eye on your monthly payments in the upcoming months, as you may notice an increase due to these new adjustments.

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