Apr 9, 2020

The Effect of COVID 19 Economic Payments on Supplemental Security Income Benefits

By Regina M. Spielberg, Esq.


The more income an individual has the less SSI he or she will receive. If his or her income exceeds the limit they will not qualify for benefits. The maximum monthly SSI payment in New Jersey is $814.25. Income includes money earned from work, various benefits received, such as Social Security and unemployment), free food and shelter. The first $20 of unearned income is not counted. The first $65 one-half of the remaining earnings are not counted.

SSI recipients are eligible for payments from the COVID 19 economic relief programs. Payments received from the COVID 19 economic relief programs will not be counted as income in determining SSI eligibility. In addition, such payments will not be counted as resources of the individual SSI recipient for 12 months.

SSI recipients who do not normally file income tax returns will not need to file just to receive payments under the COVID 19 economic relief programs.  The Internal Revenue Service will use the SSA 1099 it has on record to generate $1,200 payments, even if no income tax return was filed.

Please contact any member of Schenck Price’s Elder and Special Needs Law Practice Group: Regina M. Spielberg and Shirley B. Whitenack, co-chairs, Meredith L. Grocott, Gary Mazart, Lauren I. Mechaly, or Jordan M. Wassel for additional information.

DISCLAIMER:  This Alert is designed to keep you aware of recent developments in the law.  It is not intended to be legal advice, which can only be given after the attorney understands the facts of a particular matter and the goals of the client.