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What are the rules for reporting wages when I get SSI benefits?

On Behalf of | Mar 2, 2018 | Supplemental Security Income

New Jersians whose financial and disability circumstances meet the requirements to receive Supplemental Security Income should know that the Social Security Administration must receive information to ensure that the SSI benefits are warranted. That means it is necessary for a person getting SSI and SSI-related benefits must report their income to the SSA. This is important because SSI is based on need for those who are disabled, blind or 65 and older. It hinges on the income that the recipient has available. If that income surpasses a certain amount, they will no longer be able to get SSI.

Monthly wage reporting is necessary to make sure that the income remains under the limits for the person to continue receiving SSI. The income is reported at or near the start of every month. The income might affect the SSI payments, but it is possible that it will not. Expenses are factored in when they are needed for the person to work. In general, if the person has more income available, the SSI amount will reduce commensurately. This helps the SSA pay the proper amount in SSI-related benefits. Failure to report the earnings on time could result in the person owing money to the SSA.

In some cases, other wages must be reported. This includes wages earned by a spouse if he or she lives with the person getting SSI; parents if the SSI recipient lives with them and is under 18; sponsors for a recipient who is not a citizen of the United States even if they do not live together. The person who is getting SSI is responsible to report the wages every month. If the SSI recipient has a representative payee, that person can report the monthly wages. The reporting can be done via telephone, but it can also be mailed, faxed or brought to an office personally. All pay must be reported. The reporting for the previous month must be done no later than the 10th day of the next month.

Wage reporting is just one important aspect of SSI benefits that people might not be fully cognizant of. Failing to report wages can cause problems later. For assistance with this or any other issue related to Supplemental Security Income, a lawyer who understands everything related to Social Security disability and SSI from applying, appealing and anything in between can help.

Source: ssa.gov, “Reporting Wages When You Receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI),” accessed on Feb. 27, 2018

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