What must I report to the SSA regarding my SSI benefits?

On Behalf of | Jan 30, 2019 | Supplemental Security Income

Being approved for Supplemental Security Income can be a relief to New Jersey residents who are blind, disabled, 65 or older and meet the income and resource requirements. However, simply being approved does not mean that the recipient need not keep the Social Security Administration informed about various aspects of their life. Certain events must be reported to the SSA if they might have an impact on the SSI benefits. This is known as recipient reporting requirements.

These must be reported and it should be done within 10 calendar days after the conclusion of the month when the change happened. If the recipient fails to report an event, there are penalties that will be assessed. The first time, it will be $25. The second time, it is $50. The third and each subsequent time, it will be $100. If the person was not to blame or had good cause not to report the event, there will be no penalty.

The following are the types of events that the SSA must know about: a change in the amount the person receives in earned or unearned income; if there is a change of residence; if the person got married, divorced or separated; if he or she leaves the U.S.; if there are benefits received for being disabled and the medical condition improves sufficiently so he or she can get back to work; if certain individuals die; if the person begins to attend or stops attending school; if there is a change in income and resources; if there is eligibility for other benefits; if the household composition changes; if there is a change in status as an alien or citizen; if the person becomes a fugitive felon; if there is a violation of parole or probation; or if the person is admitted to or discharged from a medical facility.

There are numerous rules for SSI benefits that people are not fully aware of when they apply and after they have been approved. Failure to adhere to these rules can hurt the person’s chances of getting or retaining the benefits. If there is any confusion or issue related to Supplemental Security Income, a law firm that specializes in these cases should be called for advice and help.

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