If a Floridian is receiving Social Security disability benefits through the Supplemental Security Income program, there are certain rules that have to be followed to continue receiving these benefits. Since SSI is based on need for those who are elderly, blind or disabled, the amount that the claimant will get is partially based on income. In some instances, a claimant might not realize that they have to report their monthly wages, if any.
The claimant must mail or bring the pay stubs to Social Security at the beginning of every month. This is known as monthly wage reporting. Federal regulations for SSI state that these must be reported. The amount that is earned might not have an influence on the SSI payments. The Social Security Administration needs to see the paystubs to come to a determination. In addition, there will be expenses that the claimant pays that might make it possible to work. In general, the more a claimant earns, the less the person will receive in SSI. With the wages being reported, it helps the SSA to pay the right amount.
There are also instances in which it is necessary for the claimant to report other earnings to the SSA. If the spouse lives with the claimant, if the claimant is under the age of 18 and lives with the parents and if there are sponsors for claimants who are not citizens of the United States, these will all have to be reported. The person receiving the wages is required to provide the information to the SSA. In some cases, there is a representative payee who assists the claimant. The payee is required to report the income.
All income information including overtime, bonuses and vacation pay must be provided when reporting income. Those who need to purchase items for the disability or services for work must provide receipts for this. The wages can be reported over the telephone. The pay stubs must be provided to the SSA as soon as the last payment is made for each month and it cannot be later than the 10th day of the next month. Changes in the amount received must also be reported by that date.
Wage reporting is one of many important factors when receiving SSI. If there is any confusion with reporting the wages or an issue with anything related to SSI, legal help is available for issues related to disability benefits to provide guidance and advice.
Source: ssa.gov, “Reporting Wages When You Receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI),” accessed on June 6, 2016
