Today marks a significant transformation for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries as the Social Security Administration (SSA) implements new rules that overhaul how rent subsidies and food assistance are handled. These changes will expand eligibility for SSI, increase monthly benefit amounts for many recipients, and simplify the application and maintenance processes. By removing food from In-kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) calculations and nationalizing the rental subsidy exception, the SSA is breaking down longstanding barriers that have limited access to essential benefits for millions of Americans.
Key Highlights of the New SSI Rules
- Exclusion of Food from ISM Calculations: Starting today, the SSA will no longer count food provided by SNT Trustees, friends, family, or community support networks as part of ISM. Previously, free food could reduce an SSI beneficiary’s monthly check by the Presumed Maximum Value (PMV) amount of $334.33 in 2024. This removal simplifies the process and helps recipients retain more benefits without fearing reductions due to food assistance.
- Expanded Rental Subsidy Program: Starting today, the SSA will allow for rental “business arrangements” with SNT Trustees, friends, family, or community support networks of any amount above the PMV amount ($334.33 in 2024). If the SSI recipient pays at least this amount from their SSI check, the payment of rent by others will not reduce the SSI check. SSA’s new rule nationalizes the state-specific rental subsidy exception, making it easier for SSI applicants and recipients nationwide to qualify for rental assistance. The best way to secure the exemption is to have a “business arrangement” (lease) with the disabled person in the amount of $350 per month for rent.
Impact on SSI Beneficiaries
SSI provides monthly payments to eligible individuals with disabilities, blindness, or those over 65 with limited income and resources. As of January 2023, more than 7 million individuals received federal SSI benefits, averaging $654 monthly. The recent changes aim to make SSI more accessible and equitable by addressing key factors that previously hindered eligibility and benefit amounts. With the new rules:
- Increased Eligibility: More individuals will qualify for SSI, reducing the number of people who fall through the cracks due to previous restrictive ISM calculations.
- Higher Benefits for Some: Current recipients may see an increase in their monthly payments, enhancing their financial stability. The old rule reduced the SSI check from $943 per month to $628 per month if the SSI claimant was not paying the current market rent for rent. With the new rule, and a written lease for $350, the SSI claimant will get the maximum SSI check of $943 per month, which is an additional $3,780 per year tax-free benefits.
- Simplified Process: Eliminating food and simplifying rent from ISM reduces the reporting burden on beneficiaries, improves payment accuracy, and leads to administrative savings for the SSA.