Module #3

How Income and Resources Impact SSI Eligibility and Payment Amount

This toolkit will help you understand the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program’s financial eligibility rules as they are likely to apply to transition-aged youth (ages 14 through 25). Using this toolkit will aid you in explaining some of these basic concepts to youth, their families, and others who assist them. 

1. In every state, an SSI beneficiary will receive a monthly SSI payment of up to $771 during calendar year 2019. The beneficiary will receive less than $771 if they have countable income which is subtracted from the maximum SSI payment amount.
True | False
2. The SSI program defines income as items received in cash, or in-kind, that can be used to meet a person’s need for food, clothing or shelter.
True | False
3. SSI’s Student Earned Income Exclusion rule allows a full-time student, under age 22, to earn up to $1,870 gross in a month or $7,550 gross per year in 2019 without any of that money counted as income by the SSI program.
True | False
4. If a transition-aged youth moves into an apartment and wishes to furnish it, the SSI program will want to see an inventory of the furnishings and their approximate value.
True | False
5. If an SSI beneficiary receives a federal tax refund, with or without an earned income tax credit as part of the refund, the refund will be an exempt resource for 12 months after it is received.
True | False
6. If an SSI beneficiary receives a $5,000 gift to pay for college tuition and four months later uses the $5,000 to pay for college tuition and other college-related costs, the $5,000 gift will be considered an exempt resource for the four months leading up to its use for college expenses.
True | False