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SSI and SSDI - Articles and Spotlights

Magazines

SSI and SSDI
Wage Reporting

If you receive SSI and/or SSDI benefits, you are required to report monthly wages to the Social Security Administration.

Magazines

SSI
One Third Reduction Rule

Your SSI payment may be reduced by one third if you live in another person's household and do not pay enough for the food & shelter you get from that household.

Magazines

SSI - Utilize the Student
Earned Income Exclusion

Students under the age of 22 can work and earn up to $2,290 per month and up to $9,230 per year without forfeiting any of their monthly SSI benefit.

*  LEARN HOW TO REPORT WAGES TO ENSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE CORRECT MONTHLY BENEFIT AND AVOID OVERPAYMENTS AND UNDERPAYMENTS  *

* IT IS POSSIBLE FOR EVERYONE TO AVOID THIS SSI BENEFIT REDUCTION. INQUIRE ON HOW TO DO THAT AND QUALIFY FOR THE MAXIMUM BENEFIT OF $943 PER MONTH *

* INQUIRE ON HOW TO UTILIZE THIS EXCLUSION AND OTHERS TO MAINTAIN MOST TO ALL OF THE SSI PAYMENT *

Magazines

The Social Security Administration is Removing Food from the SSI In-Kind Support and Maintenance Calculation

The removal of food from the SSI In-Kind Support and Maintenance calculation will be effective on 9/30/24. SSI recipients will no longer have to report on the food assistance they receive from family, friends and community networks of support. Excluding food from the calculation decreases a recipient's living expenses (as defined by SSA) which may now make them eligible for the maximum monthly SSI payment of $943 if they can cover their remaining living expenses with their income.

* THIS RULE CHANGE SIMPLIFIES ONE ASPECT OF THE SSI PROGRAM *

Magazines

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 to manage benefits and to managing assets.

* REVIEW THIS FACT SHEET *

Magazines

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 TERMS AND HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR SSDI BENEFIT *

Magazines

SSI and ABLE Account Factsheet

An ABLE Account offers the opportunity for people who have a disability to save or invest without affecting SSI or other needs-based benefits such as Medicaid (MassHealth).

* LEARN THE RULES REGARDING ESTABLISHING AND UTILIZING AN ABLE ACCOUNT *

Magazines

Social Security Administration Announces 4 Key Updates too 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.

- 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/or without the ability to repay.

This announcement falls short of establishing a statute of limitations on SSA uncovering overpayments.

* READ THIS TO LEARN MORE *

Magazines

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 *

Magazines

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 *

Magazines

Slide Presentation
SSI and SSDI

Lydia presented these slides at the Perkins School for the Blind's Transition Event in May 2024. She reviewed both the SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) programs. She talked about applying for benefits and what benefit amounts to expect. She delved into work incentives and reporting monthly wages along with a sample SSI benefit calculation to account for earned income. Lastly, she shared some additional financial benefits and resources.

* CONTACT LYDIA TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE TOPICS *

Magazines

Expansion of the SSI
Rental Subsidy Policy

Great news from the Social Security Administration. Effective 9/30/24, SSA will no longer reduce a recipient's SSI benefit for not paying their fair share of living expenses in most cases.

*  READ ABOUT THIS EXCITING POLICY CHANGE *

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