Social Security will change again in November

The Social Security Administration is the government organization responsible for administering and delivering millions of Social Security benefits to eligible Americans. To achieve this efficiently, they have various procedures, regulations and an official payment schedule so that all recipients know when their money will arrive in their bank account. As the end of the year approaches, it is important to remember the recent changes the SSA implemented in early October for beneficiaries, particularly those eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you qualify for the SSI program, learn about the three key changes from the federal agency.

Three major Social Security changes that impacted SSI beneficiaries

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) The program is one of the country's most important financial initiatives, providing monthly benefits under certain circumstances to more than seven million low-income Americans, people with disabilities and children. These monthly checks are critical for SSI users because the majority earn less than $1,910 and have little to no assets or resources. The SSI program therefore serves as a safety net for them and prevents them from falling into poverty. Once candidates are accepted into the program, the Social Security Administration calculates their monthly payment amount based on the beneficiary's circumstances.

On average, SSI recipients can expect to pay about $698 per month, but other payment amounts are available depending on the enrollment category when applying for the program. For example, those who applied as an individual can expect to receive a salary of up to $943 per month, while those who applied as a couple can receive up to $1,415. There is also another category known as essential person (EP)giving candidates who meet Social Security's standards for this category an additional $472 per month. Aside from these general standards, the SSA made three significant adjustments last month, listed below:

The social welfare budget was redefined

The definition of a “Social assistance budget” has been redefined, which is one of the biggest changes. To be eligible for SSI benefits under these rules, at least one person in a household must be receiving public assistance. However, under the new criteria, a household must have at least one other household member receiving some type of public assistance, subject to a resource review, and only one SSI recipient.

In addition, the budget's social assistance package now includes the following Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Not only will this change result in an additional 109,000 individuals becoming eligible for SSI benefits, but it is also expected to improve payments for approximately 277,000 current SSI beneficiaries.

A new rule for calculating food aid for millions of recipients

Another significant change to the SSA is the treatment of food-related ISM in determining SSI eligibility. Previously, the SSA considered any type of food or housing assistance to be unearned income, which reduced a person's eligibility for it SSI benefits. This regulation has often been criticized as being too cumbersome and harmful to people in need of help; However, recipients can now accept food assistance from friends and family members without fear of losing their monthly benefits.

The rent subsidy policy was expanded

The third major change concerns the Social Security Administration's rental subsidy program. People who received reduced rent or other rental assistance in states like Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, New York, Texas, Vermont and Wisconsin were previously exempt from associated penalties SSI eligibility or monthly payment amounts. Now this policy is being expanded nationwide to ensure that rental assistance does not negatively impact additional benefits in the United States.