Did You Know That Certain Changes Can Affect SSI Payments?

Did You Know That Certain Changes Can Affect SSI Payments?

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), staying informed about your reporting responsibilities is essential. Changes in your income, resources, or living arrangements can directly affect your eligibility and the amount of your SSI payment. By reporting these changes to Social Security as soon as they happen, you help ensure your payment stays correct and avoid overpayments, underpayments, or penalties.

This article walks you through the types of changes you must report, why it matters, and how to keep your information up to date.

Changes You Must Report When You Receive SSI

Whether you’re applying for or already receiving SSI, you are required to let us know when certain aspects of your life change. Reporting helps prevent incorrect payments and reduces the risk of having to pay money back later. If you are married and living with your spouse, you must also report changes affecting your spouse. Likewise, if you are applying for SSI for a child, you must report changes involving the child’s parents.

Examples of changes that must be reported include:

• Any change in income (such as wages, pensions, or unemployment benefits).
• Any change in resources (like bank accounts, vehicles, or property).
• Changes in employment status (starting, stopping, or changing jobs).
• Any change to your address. Keeping your address current helps us contact you when we need important information, reducing the risk of payment interruptions.
• Changes in living arrangements, such as entering or leaving a nursing home or correctional institution or someone moving in or out of your household.
• Any change in citizenship or immigration status.
• Any change in marital status (marriage, divorce, or separation).

To see a complete list of reporting responsibilities, read Understanding Supplemental Security Income Reporting Responsibilities at www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-report-ussi.htm.

How to Report Changes

For changes other than wages:

Call 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., or contact your local Social Security office.

How to Report Your Wages

If you work, you have several convenient options for reporting your wages each month:

• Payroll Information Exchange (PIE): Ask your employer to send your wages directly to us through PIE. You can complete and submit the SSA-8240 online, at your local Social Security office, or give authorization by phone. Continue to report your wages using another method until you receive confirmation that PIE wage reporting has started.
• my Social Security account: Report wages easily through your secure online account. You can also access your Benefit Verification letter, which serves as proof you receive SSI. If you don’t have an account, create one today at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
• SSA Mobile Wage Reporting app: Available for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
• Telephone Wage Reporting system
• Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
• Visit your local Social Security office. Find yours at www.ssa.gov/locator.

Important:

Before using an automated wage reporting option—or if you change employers—you must call us and provide your employer’s information and employer identification number (EIN).

To help you remember to report your wages each month, you can sign up for free email or text reminders at: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USSSA/subscriber/new?topic_id=USSSA_541.

Report Changes on Time

Reporting changes and wages by the 10th day of the month after they occur helps prevent being overpaid or underpaid. If you work, we encourage you to report wages by the 6th day of the month after you get paid to reduce the chance of overpayments. Failure to report changes on time may result in penalties that reduce your SSI payment.

Knowledge Is Key

Staying informed and reporting changes promptly helps ensure your SSI payments stay accurate. Securing today and tomorrow starts with being proactive and keeping your information up to date.

Please share this information with friends, family, and your community—and consider posting it on social media to help others stay informed.