Changes Already Announced – More Social Security Money for Some Americans
According to Lagradaonline, According to recent announcements from the Social Security Administration (SSA), there will be three key changes designed to help low-income individuals in America qualify for increased financial assistance. These changes aim to eliminate several obstacles related to food and other necessities, allowing more people living in poverty to access a single financial program from the SSA. Additionally, the agency plans to simplify and expand its policies regarding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for those with low or no income and limited resources.
Increased Financial Support for SSI Beneficiaries
Starting Monday, SSI applicants and recipients will no longer have their Social Security benefits denied or reduced due to unofficial food assistance they receive from friends, family, or local networks. Food will be excluded from the agency’s calculations for in-kind support and maintenance (ISM). This change is expected to provide a significant boost to those receiving SSI payments. According to SSA estimates, over 90,000 individuals could see an increase of approximately $131 per month in their SSI payments, making it easier for more people to qualify for assistance.
Commissioner Martin O’Malley emphasized the importance of SSI as a program designed for the most vulnerable populations. Established in the 1970s, SSI provides monthly financial assistance to elderly or disabled individuals with limited income and resources. As of December 2023, about 248,300 individuals in Michigan received SSI payments, including 31,576 children and youth under the age of 18.
Understanding SSI Income Limits
The SSI program typically supports individuals whose monthly earned income does not exceed $1,971. Income limits are higher for couples and parents applying for children. In addition to employment income, the SSA considers other income sources, such as pensions, unemployment benefits, and disability payments. Individuals can use an online calculator available at www.ssa.gov/ssi/eligibility to assess their eligibility for assistance. O’Malley noted that these upcoming adjustments are aimed at streamlining all aspects of the SSI program.
Additional Social Security Changes Coming Soon
Starting Monday, the SSA will also extend a rental subsidy waiver to all SSI applicants and recipients nationwide. This policy previously applied in seven states, with Michigan being newly included. The agency estimates this change could enable more individuals to qualify for SSI, potentially increasing monthly payments by about $132 for approximately 41,000 people.
New Inclusion of Dietary Aid
Another significant reform will involve dietary aid. Beginning Monday, the agency will include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits among the types of public assistance recognized in the policy. This means that the SSA will no longer require all household members receiving public assistance to be counted as part of the public assistance household when applying for Social Security benefits.
The expanded definition of public assistance is expected to allow more individuals to qualify for SSI, increase some monthly payment amounts, and reduce reporting requirements for those living in public assistance households. Approximately 277,000 people are anticipated to benefit from these increased payments. The agency operates under the assumption that individuals in public assistance households receive no income from other household members.
