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How Does Living in an Assisted Living Facility Affect Eligibility for SSI?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
Reviewed by:
Kristi Bickmann, a licensed Long-Term Care Specialist, represents top-rated "Traditional" & "Hybrid" LTC companies. Serving associations such as the American Nurses Association, she's a licensed insurance agent in 27 states. Specializing in insurance products for seniors, Kristi helps hundreds of families every year protect assets, retirement, and loved ones. She understands aging concerns firsthand, having assisted her own parents. Kristi ensures accuracy on topics about senior long-term care and its consequences.
Living in an assisted living facility can affect eligibility for SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, and if your income plus assisted living room and board exceeds the threshold for SSI, you could lose your benefits. If you move to an assisted living community that provides room, board and/or meals, the Social Security Administration may count the value of these services as part of your income. The SSA uses the term “in-kind support and maintenance” to describe the value of services provided.
What are the state-specific rules about SSI and assisted living?
Many states have supplemental programs and waivers help you keep your SSI benefits while residing in an assisted living facility. Exploring the rules specific to your state can help you understand exactly how your living situation could affect SSI eligibility.
What should I do if I receive SSI and plan to move to assisted living?
If you receive SSI, you’re responsible for reporting any changes in your living situation to the SSA. If you don’t, the agency could overpay or underpay your benefits. When you receive an inaccurate amount for SSI, you may have to repay any overage when the agency detects the error. Consult with a social worker or a professional familiar with SSI regulations to plan your next steps and get the daily assistance you need without losing your benefits.