Millions of people in the United States rely on the programs offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). You’ve probably heard of their different programs, like SSA, SSDI, and SSI, each one designed for different recipients.
In this article, we’re here to talk about the SSI (Supplemental Security Income) program, which is meant to cover the basic needs of older adults, people with disabilities, or those with limited income.
But many users don’t know that any changes to their personal information that are not reported to the SSA can cause their monthly check to be frozen, or simply disappear. So, we’re going to tell you the three most common reasons why the SSA could suspend your payments, so you can stay ahead of the problem and avoid the suspension.
What is SSI, and why can you lose it?
Let’s break it down. If you’re wondering what SSI is, it stands for Supplemental Security Income, and it’s financial assistance managed by the SSA for people over 65, people with disabilities, or those with limited financial resources. Its goal is to help those in need have a guaranteed means of support.
However, this payment isn’t forever, and from time to time the SSA will check whether this payment still fits your situation or if you no longer qualify. There are three main reasons, which we explain below.
Excess income
This is the most common reason. Many people earn income while receiving SSI, but if you earn more than what’s allowed, even from a part-time job, family support, or unemployment benefits, you could exceed the income threshold for the program. In that case, the SSA may reduce or stop your payments completely.
And that’s not necessarily a bad thing, it means your situation is stable, but it’s important to notify the Administration.
You no longer meet the medical or age requirements
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SSI is designed for people over 65 or with a recognized disability. If you were receiving the check due to a medical condition and during a review it’s determined that you’ve improved or been discharged, the benefit may be cancelled. The same applies if you no longer meet the immigration, residency, or citizenship requirements.
Imprisonment
Yes, being in custody (in prison) or confined in a public institution for more than 30 consecutive days leads to the immediate suspension of SSI. By law, you cannot receive this benefit while incarcerated.
However, once you’re released, you must request the payment again, and yes, you’ll need to prove that you still meet the program’s requirements.
Can you recover SSI after a suspension?
Yes, as long as you continue to meet all the requirements. If you’ve found stable employment, you may no longer need SSI, for example.
How to do it?
It all depends on your situation. If the cancellation was due to high income, you’ll need to prove that you’re back within the income limits.
If you lost the benefit for medical reasons, you can submit new updated medical documentation. And if you were released from prison, it’s essential to contact the SSA as soon as possible and restart the process.
SSI is a vital safety net, but it’s not exempt from rules, and it’s not a permanent payment either.
As we said, the most important thing is to keep the Administration informed, review your situation and stay within SSA guidelines! And if you have a stable job and no longer need SSI, congratulations on this new stage of your life!