Social Security Q&A: Support From Friend Could Affect SSI Eligibility, Amount
Q: Next month I’ll turn 65 and, because of my financial situation, I thought I’d be eligible for Supplemental Security Income. But my neighbor told me I’d be turned down because I have a friend who said he might help support me. Is this true?
A: If your friend helps support you, it could have an effect on whether you get SSI and on the amount you receive. Whether you can get SSI depends on your income and resources (the things you own). If you have low income and few resources, you may be able to get SSI. However, if you are receiving support from your friend or from anyone else, that income will be considered when making a decision on your SSI eligibility and amount. Support includes any food or shelter given to you or received by you because someone else pays for it. For more information, visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov.
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This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. Contact Social Security at 800-772-1213 or visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov.
