Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that typically provides cash stipends to people who have paid into the Social Security system and who can’t work because of a disability. (In some cases, it is possible to receive SSDI even if you haven’t worked.) In most cases, when someone has been eligible for
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Omitting Food Stamps from In-Kind Support and Maintenance Calculations
Emergency Memorandum-24048—Omitting Food from In-Kind Support and Maintenance Calculations
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (aka “food stamps”) will no longer be considered when SSA calculates In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM).
• This EM details the instructions that Field Office (FO) and Regional staff will follow when implementing these changes starting Monday.
- Over 60
…
Bill Would Make Expiring ABLE Account Provisions Permanent
Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO) have introduced the Ensuring Nationwide Access to a Better Life Experience (ENABLE) Act. The bipartisan bill seeks to extend three expiring provisions of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE)program, which allows disabled individuals to invest in tax-advantaged accounts while protecting their eligibility for federal aid programs.…
I’m on SSDI. Can I Work and Keep My Disability Benefits?
For adults receiving disability benefits, pursuing a career is often not an option. To receive such benefits, an individual must not be able to engage in “substantial gainful activity.” The federal government defines substantial gainful activity as earning more than $1,550 a month (in 2024) through employment.
However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) does offer…
2025 COLA Increase: 2.5%
Today, Social Security announced that the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2025 will be an increase of 2.5%. Beneficiaries will realize the benefits of this increase beginning in January 2025. Social Security’s Fact Sheet is a valuable resource for understanding the impact of the COLA increases and we recommend pinning this document to assist you in
Impairment-Related Work Expenses and Disability Benefits
Social Security Disability Insurance(SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two federaldisability benefits programs that provide monetary assistance for people with disabilities. Both programs allow recipients who work to deduct certain work-related expenses from their countable income. This can make it easier to qualify for benefits or, in the case of SSI, to receive a…
Game-Changer for SSI: Beginning Today, SSA Overhauls Food and Rent Rules, Boosting Benefits for Millions
Today marks a significant transformation for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries as the Social Security Administration (SSA) implements new rules that overhaul how rent subsidies and food assistance are handled. These changes will expand eligibility for SSI, increase monthly benefit amounts for many recipients, and simplify the application and maintenance processes. By removing food from…
What Assets Count When Applying for SSI?
Since its creation in 1972, the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program has provided financial support to low-income individuals who are over age 65 or have a disability.
In March 2024, more than 7.4 million people across the United States received SSI benefits.
What SSI Includes
Through SSI, qualifying individuals receive monthly payments intended to help with…
Update to parents regarding DAC eligibility for continued Medicaid
[Original Post on June 4, 2024]
The solution of the DAC being illegally counted by Florida Medicaid could be remedied by SSA. We have started the process to petition SSA to change its rules to do that.
However, that process is going to take much, much longer than we anticipated.
Therefore, we are suggesting to all…
From the Desk of Dave:
Oh dear, my client is getting a big lump sum retroactive award from SSA!
An attorney asks:
I am seeking guidance for a client who is potentially subject to back pay from SSA. If a person is not able to spend down the funds is there a best way to move money out of their…