What is the 1/3 rule for SSI?

Asked by: Marshall Franecki Jr.  |  Last update: May 20, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (72 votes)

We may reduce your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment by one-third if you live in another person's household throughout a month and someone in the household pays for your food or provides all of your meals and shelter expenses.

What is the $1000 rule for SSI?

Where the overpayment is $2,000 or less and you file a request for reconsideration or waiver, Social Security will waive any collection of the over-payment (unless you were at fault in creating the overpayment). This is known as the SSI $1,000 Rule.

How much does SSI allow for food?

If you are in the facility for the whole month, your SSI benefit is limited to $30 (plus any supplementary State payment). We may lower the benefit if you have other income. Effective 09/30/2024, food is no longer included in ISM calculations. This means that the value of food will no longer reduce your SSI payment.

What income is not counted for SSI?

Not all unearned income is counted. For example, Social Security will not look at the first $20 of the total unearned income you receive each month. Other types of exclusions include school grants and scholarships, energy assistance, and income placed in a PASS account.

What is the new SSI payment for 2024?

Generally, the maximum Federal SSI benefit amount changes yearly. SSI benefits increased in 2024 because there was an increase in the Consumer Price Index from the third quarter of 2022 to the third quarter of 2023. Effective January 1, 2024 the Federal benefit rate is $943 for an individual and $1,415 for a couple.

New SSI Rule - Can Increase Your SSI Due to New Rule on Your Reduced Rental Amount

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When my husband dies, do I get his Social Security and mine?

You cannot claim your deceased spouse's benefits in addition to your own retirement benefits. Social Security only will pay one—survivor or retirement.

What would disqualify you from SSI?

You Aren't Disabled, or Old Enough

To qualify for benefits, you need to be 65 years of age or older, totally or partially blind, or have a medical condition that stops you from working and will last at least 12 months or result in death. If you do not meet these requirements, you will be disqualified.

How much does SSI allow for rent?

On September 30, 2024, Social Security will change how they look at rental agreements for SSI recipients. Social Security will consider this a business arrangement for the individual to pay a lower rent if the individual is paying the SSI Presumed Maximum Value (PMV) amount, which for 2024 is $314 per month.

What is the $943 Social Security payment?

If you're wondering about the amounts for these SSI checks, the SSA has set a maximum monthly amount of $943 for individuals and up to $1,415 for couples in 2024. Some states even offer additional SSI supplements, increasing the overall payment for residents of places like California and New York.

Can I spend my SSI money on anything?

While you can use your SSI benefits for virtually anything that's legal, you must be wary of using the money in ways that can increase your resources. For example, purchasing luxury items is not prohibited, but it can increase your assets and may push your resources past the limit.

Can I get a tax refund if my only income is SSI?

Yes, receiving SSI doesn't prevent you from getting a tax refund, though you're not likely to get a refund unless you qualify for one of the credits discussed above. Read more about tax refunds for disability recipients.

What is the most SSI will pay?

The maximum monthly SSI payment for 2025 is $967 for an individual and $1,450 for a couple.

What income is too high for SSI?

SSI is generally for individuals who don't earn more than $2,019 from work each month. The income limit increases for couples and when parents apply for children. We also look at other sources of income besides your job, like disability benefits, unemployment, and pensions.

What illness automatically qualifies for disability?

It includes:
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain.
  • Special Senses and Speech, such as blindness and hearing loss.
  • Respiratory Disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and respiratory failure.
  • Cardiovascular System, such as hypertension and heart disease.

What is the new SSI rule for 2024?

Under the final rule, beginning September 30, 2024, the agency will no longer include food in ISM calculations. The new policy removes a critical barrier for SSI eligibility due to an applicant's or recipient's receipt of informal food assistance from friends, family, and community networks of support.

Can you own a home and get SSI?

Things you own

We don't count everything you own when we decide if you can get SSI. For example, we don't count a house you own if you live in it, and we usually don't count your car. We do count cash, bank accounts, stocks and bonds.

How can I increase my SSI benefits?

Strategies to Boost Your Benefits
  1. Work for 35 years.
  2. Wait until at least full retirement age (FRA) to collect benefits.
  3. Collect spousal benefits.
  4. Receive dependent benefits.
  5. Monitor your earnings.
  6. Watch out for tax bracket creep.
  7. Apply for survivor benefits.
  8. Check your Social Security statement for mistakes.

What not to say in an SSI interview?

  • Don't lie about your symptoms. When answering questions about your symptoms and functioning, be honest. ...
  • Don't talk about undiagnosed conditions. If you haven't been formally diagnosed with a condition by your doctor, don't mention it during your disability interview. ...
  • Don't go on tangents. ...
  • Don't be rude.

What can get you kicked off of SSI?

Exit from the SSI program can be due to death, medical recovery, excess income (earned or unearned), excess resources, or a change in living arrangements.

What is the most approved disability for SSI?

Overall, however, the most approved disability for Social Security is disabilities involving the musculoskeletal system and/or connective tissues. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), such conditions include arthritis, back pain, and lupus.

Can two wives collect Social Security from one husband?

Each survivor benefit can be up to 100% of your benefit. The amount may be reduced if the women start benefits before their own full retirement age, but they don't have to share — the amount isn't reduced because you've had more than one spouse.

What not to do when your spouse dies?

What Not to Do When Someone Dies: 10 Common Mistakes
  1. Not Obtaining Multiple Copies of the Death Certificate.
  2. 2- Delaying Notification of Death.
  3. 3- Not Knowing About a Preplan for Funeral Expenses.
  4. 4- Not Understanding the Crucial Role a Funeral Director Plays.
  5. 5- Letting Others Pressure You Into Bad Decisions.

What are widows entitled to?

A widow's benefit is generally calculated on the benefit your late spouse was receiving from Social Security at the time of death. The AARP says that the actual amount of your payment will differ according to the following factors: If you have reached full retirement age, you may receive 100% of the benefit.