Not knowing which Social Security program you’re on
Make sure you know exactly which program you are on. If you have any questions about what benefits you’re on, ask Social Security for a Benefits Planning Query (BPQY). If you are getting benefits administered by the state, such as Medi-Cal or CalFresh (formerly Food Stamps), you can contact your local county social services agency to confirm which programs you’re on.
Not supplying enough information when you apply
Waiting too long to file an appeal
Note: Social Security figures that you get a letter within five days after they sent it.
Refiling, rather than appealing, if you are denied SSI benefits
If you file a new SSI application, your process starts all over with a new application date.
If you appeal and you win, your SSI benefits will be paid all the way back to the original application date.
Not working out of fear of losing your benefits
When you start to work, SSI lets you keep the first $85 in earned income ($20 general exclusion + $65 earned income exclusion) without affecting your benefits at all. After that, every $2 of earnings reduces your SSI benefits amount by only $1, so you end up with more money than you would have had if you weren’t working. Most people on SSI who go back to work will end up better off.
If you try getting a job and it doesn’t work out, you should be able to get back on SSI benefits quickly through quick benefits restart or Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) as long as you are still disabled.
Also, if you earn enough for your SSI benefits to go to zero, you may still be able to keep your Medi-Cal coverage through SSI’s 1619(b) work incentive or through Medi-Cal's Working Disabled Program.
Not documenting work expenses
But no matter how legitimate an IRWE is, Social Security will not allow it unless you have receipts. Make sure you always get receipts for all work expenses, and file them carefully.
Failing to report changes in income, resources or living situation
- Earned income
- Unearned income
- Living arrangement
If any of these things change, even slightly, you must immediately report the change within the first 6 days of the following month to avoid an overpayment. Example: If you move in June, you need to tell Social Security by July 6.
For SSI, you can report changes:
- In person or by phone with your local Social Security office.
- By mail to your local Social Security office. Write “Attention: SSI” on the envelope to make sure it goes to the right place.
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You can also check with Social Security if you can report earnings with:
- The SSI Telephone Wage Reporting System at 1-866-772-0953
- The SSI Mobile Wage Reporting Application available in the Google Play or Apple App stores, or
- The my Social Security online wage reporting tool.
When you report, you’ll need to have documentation, like a letter explaining any changes and copies of your paystubs. If you have questions about the best way to report your earnings, talk to your local Social Security office or with a Benefits Planner.
Note: If you also get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you must report your income separately for SSI and SSDI. Ask your Social Security claims representative how you should report income for SSDI.
Not responding promptly to an overpayment notice
It’s very important to deal with an overpayment notice right away. The overpayment letter will ask for the money to be returned within 30 days, but Social Security knows that people on SSI have very little income, so they are willing to work out a monthly payment plan with you. You should contact Social Security immediately to talk about your options.