The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that throughout the country, it is possible that some beneficiaries may receive a higher income, this after the change of the eligibility criteria, according to what was announced by the SSA, this government agency indicated that it is expanding its rental subsidy policy for those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.
With this new rule, which was just announced, the rental assistance benefit, including rentals that have discounted rates, is expected to have less impact on an individual’s SSI eligibility or payment amount. It is expected that this change will provide significant financial relief for many Social Security beneficiaries, as it would improve their ability to meet basic needs and therefore their quality of life.
Big Update: Social Security Benefits to Expand in Several States
The government agency provides monthly payments to children and adults with disabilities, and adults over the age of 65 or older who have income limitations, often the purpose of Social Security payments is to increase the income of those who claim payment of old age, survivors or disability insurance.
Often, these payments are aimed at increasing the income of those claiming Old Age, Survivor’s and Disability Insurance (OASDI) payments that may not cover basic needs. In January 2023, 7.4 million people received monthly SSI payments averaging $654, according to an SSA report.
The new law already applies in 7 states: Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, New York, Texas, Vermont, and Wisconsin. This is due to local court decisions, but this will apply to all 50 US states in the next change. For the other people claiming the benefits, the change will not apply immediately, it will begin to apply until next September 30 at the national level.
This change will not affect how much the government agency will have to pay per month, which will reach a maximum amount of $943 in 2024, but it may increase the amounts currently received by Social Security beneficiaries, this will also help expand eligibility to other citizens, the government agency, SSI, indicated in its April 17 press release.
“Our mission is to continue to help people access crucial benefits, including SSI,” said Martin O’Malley, commissioner of Social Security. “Simplifying and expanding our rent subsidy policy nationwide is another common-sense solution that will improve the equality of the program and reduce the time agencies spend calculating and administering the rent subsidy.”
Who’s Affected By the Changes?
This change that the rental subsidy is experiencing is the second that has been made to SSI benefits in recent months. In the month of February, the SSA said that food would no longer be included in its maintenance and support-in-kind calculations. In-kind support and maintenance corresponds to the informal food aid an SSI applicant receives from friends, family, and community support networks.
The SSA notes that the adjustments in the calculation mean that applicants and beneficiaries will have less information to report to the government agency, and this would decrease the monthly variability in the amounts to be paid and payment errors, which have been widely reported by Social Security beneficiaries in recent months.
