The Social Security Administration (SSA) is planning to reverse a rule that expanded eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, potentially making it harder for people to qualify and reducing payments for some recipients. The rule in question pertains to the definition of a “public assistance household.”
What is a Public Assistance Household?
A public assistance household is a classification that affects how much SSI a person can receive. Currently, households where at least one person receives public assistance, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, are considered public assistance households. This classification is important because it determines whether SSI benefits can be reduced due to “in-kind support and maintenance,” such as free housing provided by family members.
Proposed Changes
The SSA plans to change the definition of a public assistance household, requiring that more than just one person in the household receives public assistance benefits, such as SNAP, for the household to qualify. This change could impact many low-income families who rely on both SSI and SNAP benefits.
Impact on Low-Income Families
Experts warn that these changes could have severe consequences, including :
- Reduced SSI Benefits: Struggling families may see their benefits decrease, making it harder to afford basic needs.
- Discouraging Family Support: Relatives may be less likely to help their disabled or elderly loved ones, fearing it could reduce benefits.
- Increased Institutionalization: People with disabilities may be forced into institutions due to unaffordable living arrangements.
- Increased Paperwork Burden: SSI recipients may face more reporting requirements.
Consequences of the Rollback
If the SSA reverses the Biden-era rule, it’s estimated that:
- 109,000 fewer people would qualify for SSI by 2033
- 277,000 existing beneficiaries would see their monthly payments decrease
The affected households are among the nation’s poorest, with annual incomes around $17,000, well below the federal poverty line. Removing SNAP from the definition of “public assistance household” would undermine SSI’s purpose of providing a safety net for those who cannot work due to age or disability.
