Millions of Americans receive Supplemental Security Income benefits each year. This program, which is administered by the Social Security Administration, provides additional money each month to qualified families and individuals. A California benefit program, CalFresh, also provides monthly benefits. If you need monthly assistance, will receiving CalFresh affect your Supplemental Security Income benefits? In the past, you may have felt you could not qualify for both CalFresh and Supplemental Security Income. Read on to learn more about both of these important benefit programs.
What is Supplemental Security Income?
It is one of the benefit programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Generally, you must meet the following criteria to receive Supplemental Security Income benefits:
- Age 65 or older,
- Blind, or
- Disabled
AND
- Have limited resources and income, and
- Be a United States citizen or an alien who meets certain other requirements.
Many people qualify for both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and Supplemental Security Income benefits. However, some need additional help, and this is where CalFresh may help.
What Is CalFresh?
It is a program designed to help qualified households buy more healthy and fresh foods. Using an EBT card, recipients can buy food from most grocery stores and even many farmers markets. Individuals of all ages may qualify for CalFresh, whether they have children or not.
It’s also possible to qualify if you have a job, own a car, or are homeless.
Did CalFresh Benefits Change Recently?
Yes. In June 2019, a new law took effect. The Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Human Services Omnibus Trailer Bill dramatically changed the way CalFresh affects your Supplemental Security Income benefits.
However, the change is a good one for families and individuals in need.
As of June 1, 2019, your Supplemental Security Income benefits generally will not affect your ability to receive CalFresh also. Prior to this, Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries could not also accept CalFresh benefits.
Do You Need to Apply for Supplemental Security Income Benefits?
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have helped many clients receive the disability benefits they deserve. For a free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100. Though our office is located in Anaheim, we assist clients throughout Southern California.
