If you are on Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you have to inform the Social Security Administration (SSA) of some significant changes. These changes have an impact on your eligibility as well as payment. If you fail to provide this information, your benefits may be terminated or cut.
1. Inform them of a change of address
If you are relocating to reside elsewhere, you are required to inform the Social Security office. A change in your residence may impact your SSI benefits. For instance:
- If you begin residing in an institution.
- If you move into someone else’s residence.
- If you relocate into a mobile home or other type of accommodation.
2. Inform the Social Security agency about any changes in income
Any alteration in your overall income can impact SSI eligibility. As such, you are required to report these changes:
- If your income goes up or down.
- If your spouse’s income changes.
If you get unearned income, like a pension, gift, or family support.
3. Report a change in assets
If your assets or your spouse’s assets change, the SSA needs to be notified. If you are a parent and your child is on SSI, you need to report a change in your assets as well.
4. Report a change in family status
An individual who is receiving SSI is required to report the following situations immediately:
- Death of a spouse or relative.
- Marriage or divorce. A status change of marriage can affect your SSI payment level.
- Change in citizenship or immigration status. If you have a change in citizenship status, report it to the SSA.
5. Change in financial aid from family or friends
If your financial aid from family or friends changes, you are required to report it to the SSA.
6. Receipt of new benefits
When you become entitled to receive benefits under a different government plan or pension, you should notify the SSI administration.
7. Admission to or discharge from an institution
If admitted to or discharged from an institution, report it. For instance:
- Prison, Jail, Detention Center, Boot Camp
- Nursing Home
- Hospital
8. SSI recipients who are less than 22 years of age and have changes at school
If you are below 22 years of age and your school attendance is altered, you are required to report it to the SSA.
9. Fugitive warrant or felony cases
If you have an outstanding felony warrant against you or you have escaped to evade arrest, you are required to report it to the SSA.
10 Report when leaving the US
If you are leaving the US for over 30 days, you will be required to report to the Social Security Administration.
11 Sponsor’s financial change
If you are a non-citizen and your sponsor (or spouse of sponsor) experiences a change in the monthly income, assets, or living arrangements, you need to report it.
12. Change in health condition
If you are getting SSI because you are disabled and your health situation improves, you have to report it. You also have to report if you begin working, quit working, or make modifications to the Ticket to Work or PASS program.
Conclusion
SSI benefits are assistance provided by the government to financially weak people, but its eligibility depends on changes in your income, assets, family situation, and lifestyle. So, if there is any change in your situation, report it to the Social Security Administration on time so that your payment continues and there is no problem.
If you fail to report any change in a timely manner, your payment can be suspended or terminated forever. Therefore, rather than keeping a significant change secret, report the change to the Social Security Agency as early as possible.
FAQs
Q1. What happens if I don’t report changes to Social Security?
If you fail to report changes, your SSI payments may stop or be reduced, and you might have to repay any overpaid benefits.
Q2. Do I need to report a change in my living arrangement?
Yes, changes in residence, household members, or type of housing can impact your SSI eligibility and payment amount.
Q3. Should I report changes in my income or my spouse’s income?
Yes, any increase or decrease in earned or unearned income (such as wages, gifts, or other benefits) must be reported.
Q4. What if I leave the U.S. for more than 30 days?
You must report if you leave the United States for 30 consecutive days or a full calendar month, as it may affect your SSI eligibility.
Q5. How can I report changes to the Social Security Administration?
You can report changes by calling SSA, visiting a local office, or using your online Social Security account.