Social Security Updates SSI Rules to Boost Benefits and Expand Eligibility

New updates aim to simplify benefit calculations, ease reporting, and expand eligibility for the Supplemental Security Income program.

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.

Additionally, the agency is standardizing its rental subsidy policy nationwide. This change is expected to provide approximately 41,000 beneficiaries with an increase of about $132 per month.

The SSA is also adjusting its definition of a "public assistance household," making it easier for households to qualify under this category. This change is anticipated to enhance benefit amounts for some, reduce the need for frequent reporting, and increase the number of individuals eligible for SSI.

“These changes will help more people access crucial SSI benefits,” said Martin O’Malley, commissioner of Social Security. “By simplifying and expanding our policies, we are making SSI smarter, removing barriers to accessing payments, and reducing the burden on the public and agency staff.”