SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) BENEFITS SR 94-04, 04/94 (FSM-A)

The SSA makes Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments to aged, blind, and disabled individuals

Treatment: Unearned Income

When the entire household receives SSI payments, it is categorically income-eligible for food stamps.

Exception:

That portion of SSI income which is withheld as a fee by a representative payee is excluded income. However, it is not subtracted from the total SSI amount prior to entering SSI income on EMS. (It is deducted from gross and net income using deduction code "571.")

To qualify to collect a fee as an SSI representative payee, an organization must be a community-based, nonprofit social service agency which is bonded or licensed in New Hampshire. The payee may not collect from an SSI recipient a fee for more than the lesser of 10% of the monthly benefit amount or $25.