Whether you’re researching applying to SSI or already receiving benefits, it’s important to know what responsibilities fall on disabled individuals within the system. Be aware, those who accept SSI benefits are on the hook to report certain life changes to Social Security as these may directly affect the support you receive. Here’s a quick overview of common developments which qualify as “life changes.”
Medical Developments
A change in your medical condition is perhaps the most obviously relevant detail to your disability case. Any changes for the better—or the worse—need to be reported to Social Security in order for your benefits to be recalculated. Visits to the hospital, including the dates for an extended stay, should also be communicated.
Living Arrangements and Resources
Getting married or moving into a new place are two important changes that must be reported to the SSA. The addition of a spouse’s income, a change in your own income, and receiving or losing financial support from a family member may necessitate an adjustment to your benefits. Any updates to your physical living arrangements, such as a change of a address or the acquisition of a roommate, may also impact your benefits.
Immigration, Travel Abroad, and Incarceration
Certain legal states can also trigger adjustments to the benefits you receive. If your citizenship or immigration status changes, this is very important information that needs to be reported as a life change to the SSA. Spending time outside the U.S., for a full calendar month or 30-plus consecutive days, should also be reported. If you are admitted to (or released from) a detention center, jail, or prison, the SSA needs to be notified.
When to Report
It is your obligation to report to Social Security as soon as possible, and no later than 10 days following the end of the month in which these developments occurred. Navigating the process can be tricky, so if you’re looking for a disability lawyer around Tennessee, consider reaching out to the Kenneth Miller & Associates team for help.
