Understanding how Supplemental Security Income (SSI) interacts with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), often called food stamps, is crucial for SSI recipients․ SSI benefits are considered income when determining SNAP eligibility․
Income Calculation: While Social Security payments (including SSI) are counted as income for SNAP, the program uses net income after deductions, not gross income, to calculate benefits․ This means your total income, including SSI, is reduced by allowable deductions before determining your SNAP benefit amount․
Household Definition: The Social Security Administration (SSA) has broadened the definition of a public-assistance household․ If you live with someone receiving public assistance, including SNAP, you may be eligible for the full SSI amount․ Receiving SNAP doesn’t reduce your SSI payment․
State Variations: In some states, applying for SSI can also serve as a SNAP application if you live alone․ State rules and TANF programs can influence eligibility and payment amounts․
Resources: Additional information can be found on the SSA website․
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