Beginning at the end of next September, the agency will no longer include food assistance when calculating one’s eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) monthly payments.
Those who qualify for SSI benefits include adults and children with a disability or blindness and adults 65 years and older who have limited income and resources. These benefits help cover the costs of basic resources including housing, food, medicine, and clothing.
About 7.4 million Americans are currently recipients of SSI or Social Security payments, according to the SSA’s February data.
To receive SSI benefits, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements, which are calculated under a rule titled “In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM).” Under the current rules, food, shelter or both are counted as unearned income, which can impact an individual’s eligibility or lessen their payments.