The Social Security Administration’s Understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) website is a recently updated reference for beneficiaries, potential beneficiaries, advocates and interested members of the public. It provides information about SSI eligibility and processes and attempts to simplify complicated regulatory language.
In its 2018 update of the section covering SSI Resources, SSA expanded its list and explanation of resources that do and do not count when determining eligibility for SSI. The new, more comprehensive list now includes specific reference to ABLE accounts and special needs trusts (SNT) as resources that do not count for purposes of SSI. The list also includes handy hyperlinks to additional information on specific topics.
The revised section’s guidance and resource list is beneficial to attorneys and non-attorneys alike. The long-awaited updated list of major exempt resources is a useful tool for special needs professionals when making presentations to non-lawyers or when advising clients who might be wondering how particular resources could affect their eligibility for SSI benefits. Be sure to keep SSA’s publication in mind when helping others to understand how their SSI eligibility will be calculated.
To access the Understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) homepage with links to individual sections, click here.