From: “Social Security Administration, Office of Communications”
We recently changed our rules about what financial assistance can affect
an individual’s eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or
monthly SSI payment amount. Usually, we consider any item an individual
receives in cash or in-kind that can be used to meet his or her need for
food or shelter income. Generally, the more countable income someone
has, the less their SSI monthly payment will be. If their countable
income is over the allowable limit, they cannot receive SSI payments.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we no longer count most types of
pandemic-related financial assistance against eligibility or payment
amount. This includes:
* Economic Impact Payments (EIP)
* State Stimulus Payments _(Some exclusions may apply.)_
* Unemployment Assistance (also includes regular unemployment)
* Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): Loan Forgiveness to Employers and
Self-Employed Individuals
* Coronavirus Food Assistance Program – Direct Payments to Farmers
and Ranchers
* Emergency Rental Assistance Fund
* Emergency Assistance for Rural Housing/Rural Rental Assistance
* Homeowner Assistance Fund
* Housing Assistance and Supportive Services Programs for Native
Americans
* Emergency Assistance to Children and Families through the Pandemic
Emergency Assistance Fund
A full list of Covid-19 financial assistance that no longer counts
against SSI eligibility or SSI payment amount is available at
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) | SSA.
To address situations where an individual’s SSI application was
denied, or their payment amount was reduced by receiving assistance, we
are reviewing SSI claims and other SSI records going back to the
beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We expect our review will take
several months to complete. In most cases, if an individual’s payment
amount was affected, and we do not need any additional information, we
will automatically restore their SSI payments. If we need to take a new
SSI application or need any additional information, we will mail a
letter explaining what is needed. Individuals do not need to call our
offices unless they have moved and need to update their address. They
can find the phone number to their local office by accessing our office
locator.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together during these
unprecedented times. I encourage you to share this information with your
members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.