6. Living arrangements

The living situation of current Supplemental Security Income (SSI) users may affect total payment rates. In general, the more housing and/or living assistance you receive from friends, family, or organizations, the lower your monthly SSI rate will be.

According to the SSA, if you are no longer making payments for food and housing, it means that you no longer need additional money to buy such items, and therefore you will no longer receive them. The SSA typically deems living in an institution, care facility, or another person’s home as in-kind support and maintenance (ISM). ISM, a type of unearned income, can lower a recipient’s benefit rates because they are no longer responsible for paying for their own food and housing. Appliances, furniture, and other things that may be given to a recipient are unaffected by the SSI payment rates. IMS typically refers solely to housing and food aid.

I hope this article helped clear up any confusion about Social Security benefits. And if you find it interesting, don’t forget to check out other articles about retirement and retirees on our page! One of our personal favorites is: Moving Abroad? These 9 Countries Don’t Tax Retirees At All!