Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides financial assistance to low-income individuals from vulnerable populations, including the elderly (age 65 or older), the blind, and people with disabilities. SSI benefits enable these individuals to access basic necessities like food, clothing, and affordable housing. In order to qualify for SSI benefits, you must meet certain eligibility requirements as determined by the Social Security Administration (SSA). For instance, SSI eligibility rules state that these benefits only apply to individuals whose “countable resources” fall below $2,000 ($3,000 for couples) each month. Even if you qualify for SSI benefits, you may wonder how certain factors may affect your ability to receive your SSI assistance every month. For example, does a tax refund affect SSI eligibility? Let’s review some basic information about SSI benefits and income guidelines and how tax returns could affect SSI recipients in Washington state. If you have any questions about SSI eligibility or obtaining the assistance you need, consider enlisting the guidance and support of an experienced and caring Spokane SSI and SSDI attorney to help you achieve your desired outcome.
Countable Resources and SSI Eligibility Criteria in Washington
Since SSI benefits are designed to support our nation’s most vulnerable populations, the SSA has established several eligibility requirements to ensure that those who most need this financial assistance can obtain it. According to the SSA, limited income refers to the following: money earned from a part-time job; free food or shelter; and money you receive from other sources (i.e., workers compensation, unemployment benefits, money from friends or relatives, etc.). If your resources each month fall below the $2,000 threshold ($3,000 for couples), you may qualify for SSI benefits. However, receiving a tax refund or other form of income could impact your SSI payment somehow, depending on the circumstances of the situation.
Does My Tax Return Affect My SSI Benefits in Washington?
Generally speaking, receiving a lump sum of cash can jeopardize your SSI benefits. The SSA reassesses each recipient’s financial eligibility each month, so a sudden infusion of cash will likely disqualify you from receiving your SSI benefits for that month. So, does receiving a tax refund affect SSI? The SSA does not consider federal and state tax refunds, including tax credits, as countable income for SSI purposes. However, tax refunds will likely affect your “countable resources” limit, which carries a few implications. If you receive a state tax refund that puts your countable resources over the monthly limit, you could spend it before the end of the month (i.e., prepay your rent, spend it on exempt assets like food stables, etc.) in order to avoid any disruption to your SSI benefits. Federal tax refunds, on the other hand, do not count towards the countable resources limit, but only for the first 12 months after you receive the refund. If you do not spend your federal tax return within this timeframe, your SSI benefits may be affected. Reach out to a trusted SSI attorney for more detailed answers to common questions like, “how long does a tax refund affect SSI?” or for information about ssi and tax refund matters.
Get Started With a Caring and Skilled SSI Attorney Today
Many Washington residents rely on SSI benefits to support their basic needs. However, SSI eligibility can prompt several questions and concerns for recipients. If you need help obtaining the SSI benefits you deserve, or if you are having trouble accessing SSI assistance for any reason, consider enlisting the support of a dedicated and compassionate Spokane SSI lawyer to help you achieve your desired outcome.
At Schott Law, we are committed to helping our clients obtain the government benefits they deserve. If you have questions about your SSDI or SSI benefits in Washington state, please call our Spokane office today at (509) 328-5789 to discuss your options with a dedicated and caring SSDI and SSI attorney.
