SSI Program Changes

October 11, 2024

Social Security Implements Changes to SSI Program

by Shaun Heasley | October 4, 2024

Published by disabilityscoop.com


Several updates to Supplemental Security Income are taking effect, impacting how benefits are calculated, alleviating reporting burdens and likely expanding the number of people who qualify for the program.


The Social Security Administration said it is implementing changes this week to policies related to its rental subsidy, the definition of a public assistance household and the way it handles food in calculations for what’s known as “in-kind support and maintenance.”


The changes were all announced earlier this year as part of a broader effort to simplify the SSI program.


Approximately 7.5 million Americans, including many with disabilities, receive SSI each month, with a maximum federal benefit of $943 for individuals and $1,415 for couples. But, beneficiaries must adhere to strict and often complicated rules in order to maintain eligibility.


With the changes, Social Security said that it will no longer consider food assistance from friends, family or others in the community when calculating benefits. That will mean an increase of about $131 per month for over 90,000 beneficiaries and it could allow more people to become eligible for benefits, officials said.


The agency is also updating its rental subsidy policy to be more uniform nationwide, which is expected to offer about 41,000 people a bump of roughly $132 per month in benefits.


In addition, Social Security is making it easier to qualify as a “public assistance household,” which the agency said could increase benefits for some, reduce reporting requirements and help more individuals qualify for SSI.



“These changes will help more people access crucial SSI benefits,” said Martin O’Malley, commissioner of Social Security. “By simplifying and expanding our policies, we are making SSI smarter, removing barriers to accessing payments and reducing the burden on the public and agency staff.”



May 13, 2025
We’re still smiling from Active for Autism 2025 — and it’s all thanks to YOU! Whether you walked, ran, sponsored, volunteered, donated, or simply cheered us on, you helped make this year’s event one of the most impactful yet. Thanks to your incredible support, we raised $ 87,153.43 (and counting!) , marking a 24 % increase from last year. Every dollar goes directly toward programs and services that inform, support, and connect families of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities across our community. The energy on event day was unmatched — from families walking hand-in-hand, to kids enjoying the Fun Fest, to teams showing up in vibrant shirts and big smiles. Your presence showed the true power of community. We are beyond grateful to our: Participants who showed up with passion and purpose Sponsors who helped make the event possible Vendors who brought fun and resources to the day Donors who gave generously Volunteers who offered their time, heart, and hands A Special Thank You to Our Co-Sponsors We are especially thankful for our co-sponsors whose generous support elevated this event: Enbridge, 100.7 The Tiger, and Ochsner’s Children’s . Your partnership helped amplify our mission and impact. Thank you for standing with us! Thank You to All Our Sponsors We are grateful to all of our sponsors who make this event possible year after year. Your generosity directly supports families and individuals in our community. 2025 Active for Autism Sponsors: Presenting Platinum Sponsors: Enbridge, 100.7 The Tiger, and Ochsner Children’s Hospital Gold Sponsors: REV, The Nirel Group Foundation Silver Sponsors: Olivier Group, Behavior Intervention Group, Louisiana Blue, Hood Container Corporation, and Mayor-President Sid Edwards Bronze Sponsors: BREC, Associates in Pediatric Dentistry, Wampold Companies, ACE Enterprises Inc., Ascent Behavior Therapy Center, Williams Photography, and Maughan Law Firm Patron Sponsors: BearCom of Baton Rouge, Gulf South Autism Center, The Baton Rouge Clinic AMC, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, Mercy Autism Center, Kidder & Schultz CPA LLC Governmental Supporters : State Senator Regina Barrow, Iberville Parish, and West Baton Rouge Parish Together, we’re making real change — not just during this event, but every day of the year. 📅 Mark your calendar : Active for Autism 2026 will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026 . We can’t wait to celebrate and walk alongside you again. From all of us at Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge: Thank you for helping us keep families informed, supported, and connected. We are families helping families. That’s what we do. That’s who we are.
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