New updates aim to simplify benefit calculations, ease reporting, and expand eligibility for the Supplemental Security Income program.
MORRISTOWN, N.J. – The Social Security Administration (SSA) is rolling out significant changes this week to its Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, potentially increasing benefits and expanding eligibility for many Americans. These updates address policies related to rental subsidies, the definition of public assistance households, and how food support is considered in benefit calculations.
These changes are part of a broader effort announced earlier this year to simplify the SSI program, which currently supports approximately 7.5 million people, including many individuals with disabilities. The maximum federal benefit currently stands at $943 for individuals and $1,415 for couples, but eligibility comes with stringent and often complex requirements.
One of the major updates is that SSA will no longer count food assistance provided by friends, family, or community members when calculating SSI benefits. This adjustment will result in an average increase of $131 per month for over 90,000 beneficiaries and may open up eligibility to more people, according to SSA officials.