WILL THE ONE-THIRD REDUCTION PROVISION AFFECT MY SSI PAYMENT?

We may reduce your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment by one-third if you live in another person’s household throughout a month and someone in the household pays for your food or provides all of your meals and shelter expenses.

EXAMPLE—SSI reduced by one-third:  On January 1, 2024, Mary Johnson moved in with their adult child and grandchildren and received shelter from within the household. Mary did not help pay the household expenses. Because Mary received shelter from their adult child, we would reduce the monthly SSI payments by one-third. If Mary does not have any other countable income, the SSI payment would be reduced to $628.67.

Effective 09/30/2024, food is no longer included in ISM calculations. This means that the value of food will no longer reduce your SSI payment. Prior to 09/30/2024, food or shelter are included in the ISM calculations; and the receipt of food from inside or outside the home is counted as ISM.

WHEN DOES THE VALUE OF THE ONE-THIRD REDUCTION NOT APPLY?

The one-third reduction does not apply if you live in another person’s household but you pay your share of the expenses for shelter.

EXAMPLE—One-Third Reduction No Longer Applies:  Mary Johnson notifies Social Security that they started paying their adult child for their share of the household expense for shelter as of October 1, 2024. There are five people in this household:  Mary, their adult child, their child's spouse, and two children. The household expenses for rent and utilities are $1,500 per month.  Mary pays the adult child $300 per month, which is their pro rata share.  Based on Mary paying their pro rata share and not having any other countable income, we would stop reducing the SSI payments by one-third and begin paying the full SSI amount of $943 per month.

The one-third reduction also does not apply if you live in your own home or apartment and you pay for your own shelter expenses.

EXAMPLE—One-Third Reduction Does Not Apply:  Mary contacts Social Security to report that they have moved into their own apartment on October 10, 2024. Based on Mary living in their own household and paying for their own shelter costs, the one-third reduction does not apply. If they do not have any other countable income, Mary is due the full monthly SSI payment amount of $943.

HOW CAN I MAKE SURE THAT MY SSI PAYMENTS ARE CORRECT?

You must report changes to your living arrangements within 10 days after a change occurs. Some of the changes that can affect your SSI payment include:

	Moving to a new address
	Contributing more money to the household for your shelter
	A change in how many persons live in your household