How Your Address Can Affect Your SSI Benefits
If you live with an individual who is not eligible for Social Security Insurance benefits (SSI), they might affect your ability to collect benefits, even if you would otherwise be considered eligible. There are also several other ways that your address can impact the number of SSI benefits you may receive. If you're not sure about how your living arrangements might affect your benefits, it's important to speak with a Social Security attorney.
Ineligible Deemors
An individual living with you who is not entitled to SSI benefits would be referred to by the Social Security Administration (SSA) as "ineligible deemors." If your address matches that of the ineligible deemor even if you have separated from them, you may still be affected.
Your Fair Share
If you are living with someone else and you are not paying your fair share of the expenses, this may lead to your SSI benefits being reduced. For example, if you are living with a family member and not paying part of the mortgage and not paying for living expenses, this may be used as a justification to reduce your SSI benefits. However, there may be other expenses you are paying for that you may need to clarify to the SSA.
Living in Hospitals or Nursing Home Facilities
If you are in a nursing home for an entire month, you may not be eligible for SSI benefits or you may receive reduced SSI benefits. If you live in a facility where Medicaid pays for more than half the cost of your care, your benefits may be reduced.
No Permanent Address
Living arrangements can be complicated. For example, you might fighting with your spouse and spend part of your time living somewhere else. However, you may choose to keep the same address so you can have a place to receive mail. If you're not sure whether you are considered to be living together or if you have a permanent address, make sure to contact a Social Security attorney.
If you are homeless, you will be able to receive Social Security benefits. If you have been living in a homeless shelter for the last six months out of nine-month period, you may receive up to the maximum number of benefits that you would be eligible for. However, you are not required to have an address to receive SSI benefits. The SSA will make arrangements to ensure that you receive your benefits.
For more information on what can affect your SSI benefits, talk to a social security attorney in your area.