Why it’s important to report life changes when receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Did you know that certain life changes can affect your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments? Sometimes your circumstances may change after you apply for or begin to receive SSI. When that happens, it’s important for you to tell us about these changes. This will ensure that you receive the benefits to which you’re eligible.

Here are some common changes you must report if you have applied for or receive SSI:

· Changes in income, wages, or self-employment income;

· Starting, stopping, or changing jobs;

· Changing your address or persons moving in or out of the household;

· Changes in marital status (including any same-sex relationships);

· Having more than $2,000 if you are single or $3,000 if you are married in resources that you can cash in, sell, or use to pay for food and shelter; and

· Changes in resources, including money in financial accounts and buying or selling extra vehicles, stocks, investments, or property.

For a complete list of reporting responsibilities for all our programs, please read our publication, What You Need to Know When You Get Supplemental Security Income at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-11011.pdf.

How to Report Changes in Wages

You can conveniently report your wages using our:

• Free SSA Mobile Wage Reporting app for smartphones.

• Online Wage Reporting Tool using your personal my Social Security account. If you don’t have an account, create one today at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

Be sure to sign up for monthly SSI wage reporting emails or text reminders, so you never forget.

Other options include speaking with a representative by calling toll free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting or writing your local Social Security Office.

Report Changes in a Timely Manner

You must report a change within 10 days after the month it happens. You should report a change even if you’re late. Failure to report timely may cause you to:

· Receive less than you should and take longer to receive the correct amount;

· Receive more than you should and have to pay it back;

· Have a penalty deducted from your SSI payment; or

· Lose SSI for not reporting information that we use to determine whether you are still eligible for SSI.

Securing your today and tomorrow starts with being informed. Please share this information with your friends and family—and post it on social media.

Vonda Van Til is the Public Affairs Specialist for West Michigan. You can write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email at vonda.vantil@ssa.gov