A new rule change under the Social Security Administration means more people may be eligible for benefits, while others could start to receive an even higher payment. The agency has announced that, under new rules, the definition of public assistance households will be expanded to include all those that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs or SNAP, commonly known as food stamps.
And the agency will no longer assume SSI candidates in SNAP households are getting income from people they live with, meaning that MORE could qualify for benefits and current recipients could see an increase. Previously, federal policy required that ALL household members receive public assistance for someone to qualify for SSI.
Now, a “public assistance household,” will be defined as anywhere an SSI applicant or recipient lives; that, along with at least one other household member who receives SNAP. Over 7.4 million people in the U.S. receive SSI; the maximum monthly SSI benefit is currently $943 per eligible individual – and $1,415 for eligible individuals and eligible spouses.
The change is set to take place September 30th.