Many low-income individuals in Mobile who have never been able to work due to a disability depend on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to make ends meet. They may feel like once they are approved for benefits, that is the end of the story. However, should they continue to earn an income, no matter how slight, they must report those earnings to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
One of the requirements of receiving SSI benefits is that if the recipient or, if they reside with the recipient, the recipient’s spouse or parents, works, then those earnings must be reported to the SSA. Doing so helps ensure the recipient is receiving the proper amount of benefits, and is neither being underpaid nor overpaid.
The reason for income-reporting is the fact that SSI is a needs-based benefit. It is meant to serve low income individuals who have a disability, are blind or are over age 65. For the most part, the greater the recipient’s income is, the lower the amount of benefits he or she will receive.
There are a number of ways one can report their income to the SSA. It can be done in person at the recipient’s area Social Security office. It can also be done over the phone, either by calling a toll-free number, or using a free app.
No matter how a recipient decides to report his or her income to the SSA, he or she is eligible to sign up for a reminder email or text message. The reminder will be sent out monthly.
In the end, it is important to comply with the SSA’s rules about income reporting and other rules that go along with receiving SSI. Those who have further questions about income reporting and SSI can discuss the matter with an attorney.