Section 1634(a) of the Social Security Act outlines that when a disabled person in Florida is awarded Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) benefits by the Social Security Administration (SSA), SSA sends an email to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). In this letter, SSA requires that Florida provide free Medicaid as a condition of

Today marks a significant transformation for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries as the Social Security Administration (SSA) implements new rules that overhaul how rent subsidies and food assistance are handled. These changes will expand eligibility for SSI, increase monthly benefit amounts for many recipients, and simplify the application and maintenance processes. By removing food from

Since its creation in 1972, the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program has provided financial support to low-income individuals who are over age 65 or have a disability.

In March 2024, more than 7.4 million people across the United States received SSI benefits.

What SSI Includes

Through SSI, qualifying individuals receive monthly payments intended to help with

The new rule changes paragraph (b) of the existing regulation on Inkind Support and Maintenance, 20 CFR 416.1130 to read as in new paragraph (b). 

The old rule of paragraph (b) provided:

(b) How we define in-kind support and maintenance. In-kind support and maintenance means any food or shelter that is given to you

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has published a final rule simplifying and expanding its rental subsidy program for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Effective September 30, 2024, the new rule is likely to allow more people to qualify for SSI. In addition, some current SSI recipients may see an increase in their monthly benefit amount as

The new 2008 Deeming Chart should be used by banks and other Special Needs Trust Administrators judiciously.  Pay particular attention to the qualifications indicating when the trust may not be used, which appear at the end of the chart.  Also be aware that these numbers increase annually, but a slight amount, due to changes in

The organizers of the Florida State Guardianship Annual Convention asked me to prepare some comments on Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid – It Just Keeps Changing.  The ten page paper highlights changes in how  attorneys and guardians of disabled individuals will have to change the way they interact with SSA, video hearings, “paperless” medical