4 Ways Supplemental Security Income Changed in 2024

Introduction

More low-income seniors and people with disabilities are now eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits this fall. Recent changes to SSI regulations, effective as of Sept. 30, aim to expand eligibility, increase benefit amounts for some recipients, and simplify the reporting process for both applicants and beneficiaries. Below is an overview of how the SSI program currently operates and the significant updates implemented.

4 Ways Supplemental Security Income Changed in 2024

1. How Supplemental Security Income Works

The Supplemental Security Income program, administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), provides monthly payments to adults and children with disabilities or blindness, as well as adults aged 65 and older. These payments are designed to cover basic needs such as rent, food, clothing, and medical expenses. While SSI is separate from traditional Social Security benefits, it follows a similar framework.

To qualify, applicants must have limited financial resources and typically earn less than $1,971 monthly from employment, though various other income sources—such as disability benefits, unemployment, or pensions—can also impact eligibility. Currently, 70% of SSI recipients live in households with family incomes under $30,000, including other forms of assistance income.

2. Eligibility Will Broaden

Under new guidelines, the definition of a “public assistance household” now includes those receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps, allowing more individuals to qualify for SSI. Additionally, a requirement that previously excluded larger, multi-generational households from eligibility has been removed.

Previously, all household members had to receive public assistance to qualify; now, households with only some members receiving aid are eligible. Under the updated rule, the SSA will assume that applicants in public assistance households are not receiving additional financial help from their cohabitants, enabling more people to qualify for SSI and, in some cases, receive larger payments.

3. Food Aid No Longer Counts as Income

As of Sept. 30, food assistance no longer counts as income when determining in-kind support and maintenance (ISM) calculations. ISM calculations previously impacted eligibility for SSI and could reduce benefit payments. By removing food aid from ISM considerations, individuals applying for SSI will no longer be penalized for informal food support from friends, family, or community groups, nor will they need to report such assistance.

4. Rental Assistance Will Have Less Impact on Eligibility and Benefits

Another recent change expands a policy previously limited to seven states—Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, New York, Texas, Vermont, and Wisconsin—to the entire country. This policy reduces the effect of rental assistance on SSI eligibility and benefit amounts. By standardizing this policy nationwide, the SSA aims to increase the payment amounts some recipients are eligible to receive and open up eligibility to a broader pool of applicants.

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