SSI and SSDI
Articles and Spotlights
SSI - Expansion of the Rental Subsidy Policy
Great news from the Social Security Administration! SSA will no longer reduce an SSI recipient's benefit for not paying market rate rent to live in their family's home. An SSI recipient only has to demonstrate that a "business arrangement" exists, such that the SSI applicant or recipient is not considered to be receiving in-kind support and maintenance when the amount of monthly required rent equals or exceeds the presumed maximum value.
* IT IS EASY FOR MOSTLY EVERYONE TO RECEIVE THE MAXIMUM SSI BENEFIT OF $967 NOW DUE TO THE EXPANSION OF THE RENTAL SUBSIDY POLICY. INQUIRE ON HOW TO DO THAT. *
The Social Security Administration Removed Food from the SSI In-Kind Support and Maintenance Calculation
The removal of food from the SSI In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) calculation was effective on 9/30/24. SSI recipients no longer have to report on the food assistance they receive from family, friends and community networks of support. Excluding food from the ISM calculation decreases a recipient's living expenses (as defined by SSA) which may now make them eligible for the maximum monthly SSI payment of $967 if they can cover their remaining living expenses with their income.
* THIS RULE CHANGE SIMPLIFIES ONE ASPECT OF THE SSI PROGRAM *
The Basics of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Do you know the difference between SSI and SSDI? Learn about the two programs including
- eligibility requirements
- medical coverage
- effect of income on cash benefits
- effect of income on medical benefits
- examples of work incentives to reduce countable income and manage benefits - managing assets
* REVIEW THIS FACT SHEET *
Working on
SSDI
Protect your SSDI benefit by understanding important concepts such Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), Trial Work Period (TWP) Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) and Expedited Reinstatement (ER).
* LEARN THE SIGNIFICANCE OF EACH OF THESE IMPORTANT TERMS AND HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR SSDI BENEFIT *
Social Security Administration Announces 4 Key Updates to Address Overpayments
Effective 3/25/24:
- Only 10% withholding per month for SSDI overpayments - same as SSI program. SSA will no longer stop benefits for overpayments. REVISED TO 50%
- Burden of proof shifts away from the claimant.
- Repayment plans up to 60 months.
- Easier to request a waiver of repayment if claimant believes to have been without any fault and without the ability to repay.
​​
This announcement falls short of establishing a statute of limitations on SSA uncovering overpayments.
* READ THIS TO LEARN MORE *
​
Overpayments
What you Need to Know
- What is an overpayment?
- What should you do if you receive an overpayment notice?
- What is an appeal?
- What is a waiver?
- Are there repayment options?
- How can you avoid overpayments?
* LEARN EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OVERPAYMENTS AND STEPS TO TAKE TO ADDRESS THE SITUATION *
​
SSDI Benefit Increases Each Year Based on Prior Year's Earnings
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) beneficiaries who work may receive an increase each year in their disability benefit based on their previous year's wages. This annual increase is in addition to the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).
* THIS ANNUAL WAGE-RELATED BENEFIT INCREASE IS ADDRESSED ON PAGES 7 AND 8 *
​
UTMA Accounts Can Cause Problems for SSI Beneficiaries
Uniform Transfer to Minors Act (UTMA) accounts are a way for family to set aside money for children without having to go through the expense of placing assets into a formal trust. Once the account terminates as required by state law, the funds immediately become an SSI beneficiary's available resource. This means that an individual could qualify for SSI, receive benefits for several years, and then abruptly lose SSI when their UTMA account dissolves.
* THERE IS A WAY TO AVOID THIS PROBLEM. BEFORE THE ACCOUNT TERMINATES, THE CUSTODIAN CAN TRANSFER THE REMAINING FUNDS INTO A FIRST PARTY SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST, WHICH IS A TRUST DESIGNATED TO HOLD AN SSI BENEFICIARY'S OWN ASSETS AND ALLOW THEM TO MAINTAIN THEIR SSI ELIGIBILITY. *
​
​
SSI and SSDI
Much Needed Reform
There are numerous SSI / SSDI reform bills that have been introduced or reintroduced in the current congressional session. One important issue being addressed is the marriage penalty. SSI and/or SSDI beneficiaries that get married or live together as a couple typically receive a partial or even a total benefit reduction. Another important issue is assets. Currently, SSI beneficiaries can only have $2,000 of countable assets ($3,000 for a couple). This asset limit has not changed since 1989.
* CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVES AND ASK THEM TO SUPPORT UPDATING THESE ANTIQUATED SSI AND SSDI RULES. *
​
Disabled Adult Child (DAC)
Can Collect Off of
Parent's Work Record
Disabled adults can collect disability benefits off of their parent's work record if they are over the age of 18, not married, have a disability that began before the age of 22, and one of their parent's receives SSA retirement, SSDI, or was insured for Social Security benefits at the time of their death. DAC benefits are based on a parent's primary insurance amount (PIA).
* KEEP IN MIND THAT A DAC MUST BE CONTINUOUSLY DISABLED BEFORE THE AGE OF 22. THAT SAID, WORKING ABOVE SUBSTANTIAL GAINFUL ACTIVITY POST AGE 22 MAY FORFEIT A DISABLED ADULT FROM EVER COLLECTING OFF THEIR PARENT'S WORK RECORD. * .....................................................................................
MI​
New Option for Submitting Documents to Social Security
"eSignature/Upload Documents"
Per Social Security: "This new, online service option, 'eSignature/Upload Documents', allows our representatives to electronically request, and our customers to electronically submit, various types of evidence and forms to us. Otherwise, customers would need to mail, fax, or visit a local office."​
* BY STREAMLINING THE DOCUMENT SUBMISSION PROCESS AND REDUCING PAPER MAIL, SSA HOPES TO IMPROVE THE CUSTOMERS' EXPERIENCE *
Social Security to Raise the Representative Fee Cap on 11/30/24 to $9,200
​The Social Security Administration is raising the fee cap for claimant's representatives on 11/30/24 from $7,200 to $9,200 when the client agrees to use the fee agreement process. The agency also plans to tie future fee increases to the annual cost of living adjustment (COLA).
* TYPICALLY CLAIMANTS WILL HIRE REPRESENTATION IF THEY ARE DENIED BENEFITS AND ARE NOT SUCCESSFUL AT RECONSIDERATION. IF YOUR REPRESENTATIVE WINS YOUR CASE, 25% OF YOUR BACKPAY IS PAID TO THEM, UP TO $7,200 (THEN UP TO $9,200 EFFECTIVE 11/30/24). *​​
Social Security Video Connect
Connect with the Social Security Administration from anywhere. With Social Security Video Connect, clients may be able to meet with Social Security representatives for Medicare, benefit applicatons, overpayments, redeterminations.... To use this service, clients will need access to a Microsoft Team compatible device (desktop, laptop, tablet, or smart phone with web camera).
* YOU CAN REQUEST A VIDEO APPOINTMENT BY CONTACTING YOUR LOCAL SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE OR CALLING 1-800-772-1213 * .....................................................................................
​
I Have Been Appointed Representative Payee -
Now What?
Representative payees play a very important role in managing an individual's SSI or SSDI monthly benefit. Clear rules, published by the Social Security Administration, must be followed. There is a lot to know:
- How do I set up a Rep Payee Account?
- How do I spend/save current benefits and large lump sum payments?
- How do I keep records?
- What are my reporting responsibilities?
- How do I determine how much the beneficiary can work without jeopardizing benefits?
* THIS REPRESENTATIVE PAYEE GUIDE SUMMARIZES THE RESPONSIBILITIES. REACH OUT TO LYDIA TO DISCUSS THESE IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES AND MORE. *
​
Appeals Process
Supplemental Security Income
Social Security Disability Insurance
You can appeal most determinations and decisions Social Security makes about whether you get Supplemental Security Income/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSI/SSDI) or if Social Security makes a change to your benefit amount. There are four levels of appeal: Reconsideration, Hearing, Appeals Council, and Federal Court.​
* CONSIDER HIRING AN ATTORNEY AT THE HEARING LEVEL. THE ATTORNEY ONLY GETS PAID IF THEY WIN YOUR CASE. THE TYPICAL FEE IS 25% OF YOUR BACKPAY UP TO $9,200.*
Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE)
IRWEs are costs for items or services that you need in order to work because of your disability. Social Security will deduct all or part of the cost of IRWEs from your countable income when determining your eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. To qualify as an IRWE, it must be necessary to enable you to work. You must need the item or service for a physical or mental impairment. You must pay for the item/service and are not reimbursed. The cost must be reasonable.
* YOU MUST PROVIDE PROOF TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION THAT YOU PAID FOR THE ITEMS OR SERVICES. READ ABOUT SOME SAMPLE IRWES AND INQUIRE ABOUT OTHERS. *
​
Waiver Requests
Supplemental Security Income
Social Security Disability Insurance
​File a waiver if you have been overpaid, agree with the facts of the case, are not at fault and can demonstrate an inability to repay. It's important to understand the eligibility requirements and different types of waivers available for your specific situation.
* THERE ARE VARIOUS WAYS TO DEMONSTRATE 'NOT AT FAULT' AND 'INABILITY TO REPAY'. YOU WANT TO INCLUDE SOCIAL SECURITY POLICY SUPPORTING THE TYPE OF WAIVER YOU ARE REQUESTING. INQUIRE ON THE POLICIES APPLICABLE TO YOUR WAIVER REQUEST. *​​
SSI
Presumptive Disability and Presumptive Blindness
If your claim is for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for disability or blindness, Social Security may make presumptive disability (PD) or presumptive blindness (PB) payments for up to 6 months while you are waiting for Disability Determination Services (DDS) to make a final decision. The decision to grant PD or PB payments is based on the severity of your condition, the evidence available at the time, and the high likelihood that your claim will be ultimately approved, and is not based on your financial need.
* LEARN IF YOU HAVE A QUALIFYING DISABILITY FOR PD OR PB PAYMENTS AND HOW TO OBTAIN THESE PAYMENTS. SOCIAL SECURITY WILL NOT AUTOMATICALLY PROCESS YOUR APPLICATION FOR PD OR PB. *
Child-in-Care Benefit
Child-in-Care Spousal benefits are a type of Social Security benefit available to the caregiving spouse of a worker entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits. To qualify, the caregiving spouse must be caring for a child under the age of 16 or a child/adult with a disability.
* THERE IS NO AGE REQUIREMENT FOR THIS BENEFIT. ADDITIONALLY WHILE THE SPOUSE IS COLLECTING THE CHILD-IN-CARE BENEFIT, THEIR INDIVIDUAL SOCIAL SECURITY RETIREMENT BENEFIT AND/OR REGULAR SPOUSAL BENEFIT CONTINUES TO GROW. * .....................................................................................
MI​
Check back soon for more articles and spotlights
- ​
*
Check back soon for more articles and spotlights
​-
*