In this appendix, we present statistics on participation by SSI recipients in other programs using data from the Supplemental Security Record (SSR), the main administrative file for the SSI program. We develop summary data on: (1) current participation by SSI recipients in other programs from a 100-percent extract of the SSR; and (2) previous participation by SSI recipients in other programs from a 10-percent extract of the SSR. Both sets of summary data are representative of the overall SSI recipient population.
Since the amount of an individual’s income affects both the eligibility for, and the amount of, his or her SSI benefit, the SSR must contain information on participation by SSI recipients in certain other programs that may provide countable income to the SSI recipient. A significant number of SSI recipients are Social Security beneficiaries whose total countable income, including OASDI benefits, is less than the Federal benefit rate plus the amount of applicable Federally-administered State supplementation payment. A smaller number of SSI recipients participate in other programs and receive income such as Workers’ Compensation benefits or disability cash benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
SSA does not maintain complete information concerning the involvement of SSI recipients in other assistance programs because under the law payments from such programs are not countable income attributable to the individual. We do, however, have some data with regard to entitlement to benefits under two other programs — Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) (which replaced Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)) and State Interim Assistance Reimbursement — at the point that the individual applied for SSI benefits. TANF (and AFDC previously) is a State program funded under Part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act. Interim assistance is assistance a State gives to SSI applicants in cash or vendor payments for meeting basic needs while they are awaiting the outcome of the SSI eligibility determination process.
Table V.F1 presents percentages of SSI recipients who (1) concurrently receive payments from certain other selected programs or (2) have previously received TANF/AFDC benefits or Interim Assistance Reimbursement.