The Social Security Administration (SSA) issued new guidance as to how receipt of COVID-19 financial aid such as stimulus checks and other payments will affect SSI benefits and/or eligibility.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Social Security Administration recently changed their rules about what financial assistance can affect someone’s eligibility for SSI or their monthly SSI payment amount. The new guidance states that the Social Security Administration will no longer count the following financial assistance against your eligibility or payment amount.
- Economic Impact Payments (EIP)
- State Stimulus Payments (Some exclusions may apply.)
- Unemployment Assistance (also includes regular unemployment)
- Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): Loan Forgiveness to Employers and Self-Employed Individuals
- Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program: Loans/Grants to Employers and Self-Employed Individuals /Grants
- Coronavirus Food Assistance Program – Direct Payments to Farmers and Ranchers
- COVID-19 Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program
- COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
- Emergency Rental Assistance Fund
- Emergency Assistance for Rural Housing/Rural Rental Assistance
- Homeowner Assistance Fund
- Housing Assistance and Supportive Services Programs for Native Americans
- Tribal Payments from the Coronavirus Relief Fund and the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
- Supporting Foster Youth and Families
- Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund
- Emergency Assistance to Children and Families through the Pandemic Emergency Assistance Fund
- Farm Loan Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
- USDA Assistance and Support for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers, Ranchers, Forest Landowners and Operators, and Groups
Per the release, SSA notes that in most cases, you do not need to do anything. If SSA does not need any information from you, they will restore your SSI payments, and will mail you a letter explaining the change to the most recent address available for you.SSA is also reviewing SSI claims and other SSI records going back to the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to restore SSI payments for people whose SSI was affected by receiving any of the assistance noted above.
If you are thinking about applying for benefits, we here at Gardberg and Kemmerly can assist you in getting a claim processed and filed. If you have a claim for disability and need assistance, please call our office at 251-343-1111 for a free consultation on your VA and/or SSA claim. Gardberg & Kemmerly specializes in helping the injured and disabled in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana.
