The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced a major policy change that will expand access to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program for many low-income households.

This update involves revising the definition of a “public assistance household” to include those receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

What is the SSI Program?

The SSI program provides monthly cash payments to adults and children with disabilities or blindness, as well as adults aged 65 and older, to help cover basic needs like rent, food, clothing, and medicine. It acts as a safety net for those with little or no other sources of income and limited financial resources.

While Social Security retirement benefits are an earned entitlement based on a worker’s history of paying payroll taxes. The SSI program is administered by the Social Security Administration and provides a nationally uniform benefit amount, with states having the option to supplement the federal payment.

Eligibility is based on strict income and asset limits, in addition to meeting the criteria for age (65 or older) or having a qualifying disability or blindness. One key factor in determining SSI eligibility and payment amounts is whether an applicant is considered part of a “public assistance household.” 

Previously, this was defined as a household where every member received some form of means-tested public income maintenance payments, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or SSI itself.

The New Public Assistance Household Definition

Effective September 30, 2024, the SSA will expand this definition to include households where at least one member receives SNAP benefits, in addition to the existing public assistance programs. This is a significant change, as SNAP aids millions of low-income Americans in affording nutritious food.

The revised rule also modifies how public assistance households are identified when an SSI applicant or recipient lives with others. Previously, all household members had to receive public assistance for the household to be considered a “public assistance household.” 

Under the new rules, a household will qualify if it contains both an SSI applicant/recipient and at least one other member receiving a listed public assistance benefit like SNAP.

Impact on SSI Recipients and Applicants

This policy update is expected to substantially increase access to SSI benefits and boost payment amounts for many current and future recipients living in households that receive SNAP. 

According to the Government Accountability Office‘s analysis, the SSA estimates this change will:

1. Result in a $15 billion increase in total federal SSI payments from 2024-2033, about a 2% annual increase compared to previous rules.
2. Enable roughly 109,000 additional individuals (1% more) to newly qualify for federal SSI who were previously ineligible.
3. Increase monthly SSI payments for around 277,000 existing recipients (4% of all recipients) by 2033 once the changes are fully implemented.

The SSA states the new rules will particularly benefit SSI recipients living with others who only partially rely on public assistance, as their household will now be considered a “public assistance household.”

This avoids the previous situation where having a single non-recipient in the home could reduce or eliminate an SSI payment.

Rationale and Broader Context 

In announcing this significant policy shift, Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley emphasized his “commitment to making systemic changes to help people access the critical benefits they need, including SSI.”

Studies have highlighted the close connection between SNAP and SSI, with over half of SSI recipients in 2016 living in households receiving SNAP benefits.

The new public assistance household rules align with the SSA’s stated goals of reducing poverty, updating policies to reflect modern realities, and maximizing efficient administration of its programs. However, the changes will also increase federal SSI expenditures by an estimated $83 million over 10 years due to associated administrative costs.

By expanding access to this vital income supplement program, the SSA aims to provide greater support and economic security for millions of low-income Americans with disabilities, blindness, or aged 65 and older. As the new public assistance household definition takes effect later this year, its impacts on reducing poverty and improving lives will become clearer.

Getting Help from Social Security Experts

While the new public assistance household rules will ultimately help many SSI recipients and applicants, navigating the updated policies and ensuring you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to can be complicated. That’s where experienced Social Security advocates can provide invaluable assistance.

Golson, McCracken Inc. is a leading advocate for helping individuals secure the Social Security and SSI benefits they deserve. With decades of experience and an in-depth understanding of SSA regulations and procedures, their team is well-positioned to guide you through the process.

As the new public assistance household definition takes effect on September 30, 2024, Golson, McCracken can help ensure your living situation and household composition are properly evaluated under the revised rules. Their advocates will work tirelessly to maximize your SSI payments by making sure all eligible public assistance is considered.

Whether you’re a current SSI recipient who may now qualify for an increased payment, or someone who was previously denied but could now be eligible under the expanded household criteria, the experts at Golson, McCracken have the skills to make a powerful case on your behalf.

Don’t leave your financial future to chance – protect your SSI Benefits and let Social Security Disability Advocates Golson, McCracken Inc. be your guide. With their professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to client success, they can help you navigate the complexities and take full advantage of this new policy change. Contact Golson, McCracken Inc. today to schedule a free consultation.