Social Security Updates for October – New Changes Just Announced

When most people think about Social Security, they tend to focus on retirement benefits. But Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a critical support program for over 7 million Americans, providing essential income to individuals earning less than $1,917 per month. SSI benefits are designed to help people with low income meet basic living expenses, but there are changes on the horizon that will impact the way the program operates.

Beginning in October 2024, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is set to introduce three major rule changes to make the program more accessible and fair for recipients. Let’s break them down.

ISM

The first change deals with the calculation of in-kind support and maintenance (ISM), which refers to non-cash assistance, such as food or housing. Under the old rules, if an SSI recipient received help with food or housing from friends or family, this would count as unearned income and reduce their SSI benefits.

This policy was heavily criticized for penalizing those in need, making it harder for people to survive on limited resources. Starting in October 2024, however, the SSA will no longer count food assistance from family and friends against SSI payments. This change is a big relief for many, ensuring that people can receive help without the fear of losing their essential income.

According to Darcy Milburn from The Arc, an organization supporting people with disabilities, this update is a crucial step toward making the system more compassionate and less burdensome.

Household

The second key update involves a change to the definition of a household receiving public assistance. Previously, an entire household had to be receiving public assistance for any member to qualify for SSI benefits. The updated rule will require just one SSI recipient and another household member receiving any type of public aid to meet the household eligibility criteria.

Additionally, the new rule will expand the definition of public assistance to include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. By simplifying the household qualification process and recognizing more forms of public assistance, the SSA is making it easier for low-income families to access the support they need.

This change is expected to benefit over 277,000 current SSI recipients by increasing their payments, while an additional 109,000 people are expected to become newly eligible for SSI under the updated criteria.

Rent Subsidy Policy

The third major change impacts the SSI rent subsidy policy. Previously, only individuals in seven states (Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, New York, Texas, Vermont, and Wisconsin) could receive a rental subsidy without it affecting their SSI payments. This was due to various court rulings that applied only in those states.

Starting on September 30, 2024, the SSA will expand this policy nationwide, meaning that people across the country will be able to receive rent subsidies, such as discounted rent, without it reducing their SSI benefits. This change will not only increase the amount that some SSI recipients are eligible to receive, but it will also make more people eligible for the program.

The nationwide expansion of this rent subsidy policy is yet another move by the SSA to lower the barriers to receiving SSI and make it easier for low-income individuals to afford housing.

Changes

Key Changes	Old Rules	New Rules
ISM Calculation	Food assistance counted as unearned income, reducing benefits	Food assistance no longer impacts SSI payments
Household Definition	Entire household must receive public assistance	Only one SSI recipient and one person receiving aid required
Rent Subsidy	Limited to seven states	Expanded to all states

These new rules represent significant steps forward in making the SSI program more accessible and fair. With these changes, SSI recipients can receive help without the fear of losing essential benefits, while new applicants will find it easier to qualify for the program.

SSI is a vital lifeline for millions of Americans, and these adjustments show that the SSA is working to improve the program to better serve those in need.

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