Q. I receive Supplemental Security Income disability benefits and learned that my payment is reduced because I moved in with my parents. Why?
A. Contact your SSA office to ask about your specific situation. Supplemental Security Income is a needs-based program. Whether cash or nonmonetary, income changes can change SSI amounts. This includes help with your bills or other expenses. The SSI payable could be reduced if you are not contributing toward household expenses, meaning food and shelter from your parents is income to you. If paying your share of expenses, the SSI would not usually be reduced just because you moved in with your parents.
SSI provides assistance to low-income disabled and blind people, including children and to people older than 65. Maximum monthly SSI benefits for 2010 are $674 for an individual and $1,011 for a couple, and this is reduced by your income. Not all income counts.
Resource levels in 2010 are $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Resources are things owned, including real estate and bank accounts. Not all resources count. For example, the home you live in and the land it is on does not count. Usually one vehicle does not count, either. If you're less than or near these income and resource levels, consider calling Social Security to ask about SSI.
For specific SSI information or to make an appointment, call the SSA toll-free number, (800) 772-1213 (TTY (800) 325-0778) or your local SSA office. General information is at www.socialsecurity .
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gov and in the booklet, Supplemental Security Income, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11000.html .
General information questions can be sent to Howard I. Kossover, SSA, 402 DeMers Ave., Suite 300, Grand Forks ND 58201; phone (701) 772-5518 ext. 200; fax: (701) 772-8622; e-mail: howard.kossover@ssa.gov .
