Starting on September 30, 2024, Social Security will update how it calculates in-kind support for individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). In-kind support can reduce a claimant’s benefit by up to one-third, but these changes will make calculating in-kind support less complicated and more fair to SSI recipients.
First, the Agency will stop reducing a Claimant’s monthly benefits for receiving help to pay for food, whether through a government-run program like Cal-Fresh, or getting support from family, friends, or local organizations like food banks.
Second, monthly payments will not be reduced if an individual spends more than a thirdof their income on housing, even if their rent is less than the current market value.
Finally, the Agency will not inquire about in-kind support if anyone in the claimant’s household receives public assistance. Before, everyone in the household had to receive public assistance. Per the new rule, public assistance now includes food stamps.
