How Do I Use My Benefits?
NOTE: Glossary words are highlighted. Click on any glossary word to see its definition.
How do I collect my SSI benefits?
You may have your SSI payment deposited directly into your bank account, deposited into a Direct Express debit card account, or sent to you as a check by mail.
The Social Security Administration wants you to use direct deposit or Direct Express because they are quicker and safer than mailed checks. Your money goes into your bank account or debit card account electronically, so it cannot be lost or stolen. Many banks offer special accounts with very low fees or no fees for direct deposit (see Banking Programs). Direct Express debit cards are free.
If you have direct deposit or Direct Express, your benefits are usually put in your account by the first of the month. SSI checks usually come in the mail on the first of the month.
For more information about getting Social Security benefits electronically, see How does direct deposit work? and How does the Direct Express debit card work?
What should I do if my SSI check is lost or stolen?
If your check is lost or stolen, call the Social Security Administration right away at 1-800-772-1213. Your check can be replaced, but it may take some time.
Note: You should not sign your check until you are at your bank or the place where you cash it. A signed check can be cashed by someone else.
Can I work while I get SSI?
You are allowed to work while you get SSI, but your benefits will be affected. The more countable income you have, the lower your SSI benefit will be.
SSA does not count the first $20 of income (earned or unearned) that you get in a month. In addition, SSA does not count the first $65 you earn in a month and ½ of the earned income over $65 that you get in a month. See What income is not counted?
If your countable income is over the SSI maximum payment level for your household situation, you will not be eligible for SSI. For SSI maximum payment levels, see How much will I get each month from SSI?
If you have a disability, and you have disability-related work expenses, SSA will usually exclude these expenses from your countable income. For more information, see SSI Spotlight on Impairment–Related Work Expenses on the Social Security web site.
What should I do about an overpayment notice?
An overpayment is when SSI gives you more money than you are entitled to get in a month. An overpayment happens when Social Security calculates your SSI benefit amount using incorrect information about your income or medical condition or living situation. If the SSA believes they have given you too large a benefit, they will send you an overpayment notice.
The overpayment notice will tell you why SSI believes there was an overpayment, and will ask you to refund the money within 30 days. The notice will explain how SSI will recover the money if you don't repay it, how to ask for a review or waiver of the overpayment, and how to appeal the decision.
If you believe the amount you got was correct and you were not overpaid, you should file a Request for Reconsideration within 60 days of the date you received the overpayment notice. If you file within 10 days, you will continue to get your current SSI benefits until the SSA makes a decision on your case. See Request for Reconsideration on the Social Security web site.
If you agree that you were paid too much, but the overpayment was not your fault and you cannot afford to pay it back, you should file a Request for Waiver of Overpayment Recovery. You must show proof that paying back the overpayment would cause you financial hardship. See Request for Waiver of Overpayment Recovery on the Social Security web site.
If you do not agree with the SSA's decision about your request for review or waiver of the overpayment, you can appeal. The notice you get from Social Security will explain how to appeal, or you can call Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 for help.
Note: The best way to avoid overpayments is to make sure you report any changes in income, disability status, or living situation that might result in a change in benefits. See What changes do I have to report?
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