The Social Security Administration sent a note to advocates on Oct. 7 asking them to remind clients on Supplemental Security Income to report changes quickly, in order to reduce improper payments. SSI is a needs-based program, so changes in income, resources or living arrangements can change a payment or eligibility.
SSA says changes must be reported no later than the 10th day of the month after they happen. Reportable changes include income from wages, self-employment, benefits, pensions or cash from friends or relatives; moves and changes in household members, rent or utility costs; bank accounts, cash, property and other assets; marital status; citizenship or immigration status; absences from the U.S. of 30 consecutive days or more; and eligibility for other benefits. The resource limits SSA lists are $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple.
Married recipients who live with a spouse must report changes that affect the spouse. For a child on SSI, changes involving the child's parents must be reported. Workers must report wages by the 10th of each month, though SSA encourages reporting by the 6th of the month after payday to lower the risk of an overpayment.
Wages can be reported through an employer using the Payroll Information Exchange, a personal my Social Security account, the SSA Mobile Wage Reporting app, the automated telephone wage reporting system, or a local office. Before using an automated option for the first time, or after changing employers, call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., to give employer information. Keep a record of each report you make.