WHY IS MY MARITAL STATUS IMPORTANT TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has different guidelines for individuals that are single or unmarried and for individuals who are married when determining benefit eligibility. Since Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews various factors such as income, resources, age, citizenship, and other eligibility requirements. When the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews eligibility for…

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SPOUSAL IMPOVERISHMENT: WHAT IS IT?

Having a spouse living in a nursing home or facility can be very costly. According to SeniorHomes.com, the average cost of Nursing Homes in California is $245 daily. It may even cost more if an individual has a private room compared to a semi-private room, other additional fees, and the area in which the nursing home or facility…

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MY CHILD RECEIVES SSI AND IS ABOUT TO TURN 18 YEARS OLD. WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?

If you have a child who receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and is about to turn eighteen (18) years old, it is very important to be aware of what actions or steps are needed to maintain your child’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit. The Social Security Administration (SSA) utilizes a different test and different eligibility requirements for individuals…

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WHAT IS MAGI?

MAGI is known as modified adjusted gross income. With the Affordable Care Act (ACA)it provides an easier way to calculate income eligibility for Medicaid through the insurance marketplace. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has actually made it possible for more individuals to be on Medicaid. MAGI (modified adjusted gross income) is the numerical figure that is used to determine eligibility…

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STATE SUPPLEMENT FOR SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME RECIPIENTS

The maximum Federal benefit for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is currently $783 for individuals and for couples it is $1,175. The maximum benefit varies annually depending on the Consumer Price Index. If there is an increase in Consumer Price Index, then there will be an increase in the Federal benefit rate. Depending on where a recipient of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) resides, he/she may…

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WHAT HAPPENS TO MY SSI BENEFITS IF I HAVE TO GO TO JAIL OR PRISON?

There are certain criteria that may jeopardize an individual’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits or make him/her ineligible for benefits. Some specific situations that would cause an individual to become ineligible include, but are not limited to escape from custody, flight to avoid prosecution or confinement, or flight-escape. Felony convictions alone will not keep an individual from being…

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CITIZENSHIP AND SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME BENEFITS

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has specific requirements for individuals who would like to receive Supplemental Security Income (SI) benefits. One of the criteria deals with the citizenship of an applicant. In order for individuals to be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) they have to be citizens or nationals of the United States or non-citizens who meet the alien qualification criteria under the 1996 legislation and…

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SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME FOR CHILDREN

Not only can adults be eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), but children are eligible as well. The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines a child as an individual who is neither married and neither considered head of household. The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers a child to be less than eighteen (18) years old or an individual who…

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HAVE YOU RECEIVED A NOTICE REGARDING YOUR BENEFITS?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) sends notices and letters to recipients who are on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or who have applied to receive  Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The notices and letters are extremely important to review and keep track of. The Social Security Administration’s (SSA) primary way to communicate to applicants and recipients are via notices and letters. ​The purpose…

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COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENTS (COLAS) AND SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME

COLAs are referred to cost-of-living adjustments. Social Security’s benefit increases have been determined by the hike in cost of living which is measured by the Consumer Price Index. The increases are termed Cost-of-Living Adjustments. At times adjustments are made to Social Security as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to prevent inflation. When the cost-of-living rises, the monthly Federal Social Security…

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