Can My Boyfriend and I Both Own a Mobile Home and if He Works and I’m on SSI Will I Lose My Benefits?
Yes, you and your boyfriend can both own a mobile home. However, the situation with your SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefits can be a bit complex. This article will break down the key considerations and potential impacts of these decisions on your eligibility for SSI.
Ownership of Assets
Generally, SSI has strict asset limits. As of the most recent update, the limit for an individual is $2,000 and for a couple, it is $3,000. If the mobile home is considered your primary residence, it typically does not count against these limits. However, if you have additional assets that exceed these limits, it could affect your eligibility.
Income Considerations
Since your boyfriend is working, his income may also be considered when determining your eligibility for SSI. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a formula to evaluate how much of his income affects your benefits. Some of his income may be excluded, but it's essential to report any changes in income to the SSA to maintain your benefits.
Reporting Requirements
It's crucial to report any changes in your living situation or income to the SSA to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to penalties or loss of benefits. Proper reporting is key to maintaining the integrity of the program and protecting the benefits you have.
Common Misconceptions and Examples
People sometimes try to "play the system" by attempting to find ways around the rules, but it's important to adhere to the guidelines set by the SSA. For instance, being on SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and owning your own home doesn't necessarily mean that housing and transportation are not factored in when receiving benefits. These are considered necessities, not luxuries, and are essential to maintaining a dignified and stable living situation.
Eligibility Rules for Special Situations
A home owned by a person with disabilities or their special needs trust does not disqualify the individual from SSI benefits. Additionally, purchases of some household goods are not considered shelter. The amount of your SSI is based on your income, limited resources, and living arrangements.
It's important to note that SSI is a Federal payment, and some states supplement it with their own eligibility rules, which can vary significantly. For example, in the Federal portion, most people are under the FLA A category, which means they are responsible for some of their expenses. In New York State, different State Supplement amounts are paid depending on whether you live alone or with another person, even if it's a non-conventional arrangement.
Shared Living Arrangements and Marital Status
If you live with someone else, including a boyfriend, SSA looks to see if you pay your proportionate share of the food, shelter, and utility expenses. If you do not, you may receive "in-kind support and maintenance" from that household, and your SSI is reduced by up to one-third.
More complex situations, such as marriage, can also impact your SSI benefits. If you marry your boyfriend or hold out to the public as if you are married, even if there is no valid marriage, his income and resources are included in the computation of your SSI payment. This is known as "deemed" income and resources, meaning there is an assumption that you share in that income and resources. In these cases, the proportionate share calculation described earlier does not apply.
Personal Advice and Resources
For a more in-depth understanding of how these factors apply to your specific situation, it's important to consult with a benefits counselor or an attorney who specializes in SSI. They can provide personalized guidance based on your circumstances. It's worth visiting the official website of The United States Social Security Administration to learn more or contacting your local office for specific advice regarding YOUR payments in particular.
Throughout my career, I've encountered numerous situations where a married couple was better off financially with SSI benefits if they were not married. This was due to the income from one person potentially causing ineligibility for the SSI individual, but if they were not married or holding out as married, the one-third reduction would retain SSI eligibility, possibly with concurrent Medicaid eligibility and possible SNAP benefits.
Always consult the official resources and experts for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Understanding the complexities of SSI eligibility is crucial for maintaining and optimizing your benefits.