Oklahomans who have been approved for Supplemental Security Income already know that the benefits are based on financial need and are for people who have a disability, are 65 or older or are blind. The resources a person has available will largely dictate what they receive in SSI-related benefits. To ensure that recipients are getting what they are supposed to when they are supposed to get it, it is necessary to take part in monthly wage reporting. At the start of each month, the SSI recipient will report his or her wages to the Social Security Administration. This is a requirement under the law. The wages might or might not affect the amount the person gets. The SSA will factor in expenses that are paid so the person can work.
In general, the more money a person makes, the less he or she will receive in SSI. Failure to report wages accurately can lead to the SSA asking for money back. Wages earned by others will have to be reported in certain circumstances. The following must be reported: if it is a spouse who lives with the SSI recipient; if the SSI recipient lives with a parent and is younger than 18; and if there are sponsors for a non-U.S. citizen even if the sponsors and the person are not living together. If the spouse, parents or sponsors stop working, the SSA must also be informed of that.
The person receiving SSI must be the one to report the income. If an SSI recipient has a representative payee, that person can take part in the monthly wage reporting process. Monthly wage reporting can be done over the telephone or through a mobile phone. Those who cannot do this should either mail, fax or bring the income report to the Social Security office in person. The reporting should be done as soon as the last payment for the month is received. It cannot be later than the 10th day of the next month.
When getting SSI benefits, there are many important requirements to keep the benefits current and accurate. Wage reporting is imperative to the process. Those who are seeking SSI benefits or need assistance with anything related to their SSI should have legal assistance. Calling an attorney who is experienced with SSI Supplemental Security Income is essential.
Source: ssa.gov, Reporting Wages When You Receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI),” accessed on Sept. 18, 2017