When you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI), it becomes life support for some basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. To maintain the right benefit amounts, you need to report some changes to the SSA as soon as possible. Let us walk you through the relevant details.
Why timely reporting is essential
Informing the SSA of any changes in your life is not only a formality, it is a necessity. If you fail to report the changes in a timely manner, here are the consequences:
- Overpayments: This means receiving funds in excess of what you are entitled to and therefore required to pay back the excess.
- Underpayments: Without the right information being presented, you may end up getting paid less than your entitlement.
- Fines: The later you report these changes, up to $25-$100 shall be charged as a fine for every instance.
What changes should you report?
Notify the SSA of the following changes so that your payment amount for Social Security Income benefit is accurate:
- Income changes: All variations in income-wages, pensions, or anything else-associated with either increase or decrease must also be reported.
- Resource changes: Report changes in resources like bank accounts or property or vehicles.
- Living arrangement: Let us know if you move, someone moves in or out of your household, or if there are changes in household expenses.
- Marital status: Report any changes to marital status: gotten married, divorced, or separated.
- Disability status: Where relevant, report when improvement or deterioration occurs with your medical condition.
- Changes in your employment status: State to notify if you begin or stop work or if you experience a change in payroll or responsibilities.
How to report changes to the SSA
The SSA offers several convenient methods to report changes:
- By phone: Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. For TTY users, dial 1-800-325-0778.
- In person: Visit your local Social Security office.
- By mail: Send written updates to your local Social Security office.
- Online: Use your personal “my Social Security” account on the SSA website.
Consequences of not reporting changes
There can be grave consequences for neglecting to inform the SSA of any changes:
- Overpayments: These are benefits that need to be refunded by you if you have been receiving excess benefits.
- Penalties: The SSA may penalize you by reducing your SSI payments in the amount of $25-$100 for each instance of unreported changes or late reporting.
- Sanctions: Fraudulent acts in reporting are grounds to have benefits payments withheld for six months at the first offense and for longer periods for subsequent offenses.
Tips for accurate and timely reporting
To maintain compliance and appropriate benefits:
- Note the dates: Ensuring that any changes should be reported within 10 days from the end of the month during which the change took place.
- Keep records: Make the copies of all correspondence with SSA and note the dates and descriptions of reported changes.
- Ask for clarification: Call the SSA and get guidance should you ever be in doubt about whether a change affects your benefits.
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