TN 2 (04-24)

SI 02009.001 Computations - General

Policy

To determine the amount of SSI benefits, which would be paid to an individual, it is necessary to consider the countable income that must be applied against their Federal benefit rate (FBR). It is also necessary to consider other factors which affect payment for particular quarters or months within the quarter (e.g.. death. absence from the U.S., change in income and/or resources, hospitalization, living in the household of another, divorce, or marriage). In the following sections, computations resulting from these various situations are discussed. Examples used throughout this chapter do not always reflect current FBR's since these amounts are subject to periodic change (cost-of-living increases).

There are only three types of computations in the SSI program:

1. Quarterly Computation

In this computation, the total income received in the quarter is considered when determining the payment for each month.

Use a quarterly computation:

  • even if all months in the quarter do not have the same FBR.

  • even if there are one or two months of ineligibility in the quarter.

2. Monthly computation

In this computation, the income received in each month is considered separately when determining the payment for each month. Only the income received in that month affects the payment for that month.

Use the monthly computation:

  • in the initial quarter of eligibility when the SSI recipient files an application in the second or third month of a quarter.

  • when a presumptive disability or blindness finding is effective with the second or third month of a quarter.

3. Short Quarter Computation

In this computation, the calendar quarter is divided into one-month or two-month segments. Only the income received in the applicable segment is considered in determining the countable income and the resulting payment amount for the short quarter.

Use the short quarter computation when a change in "couple status" is effective in the second or third month of a quarter.

Examples include:

  • An eligible individual becomes a member of an eligible couple

  • An eligible couple dissolves

  • Spouse -to- spouse deeming does not apply for one or two months in a quarter.

  • One member of an eligible couple is in a medical treatment facility for a full calendar month. (Additionally. the facility receives payments for providing this treatment under a State plan approved under title XIX that covers a substantial part of the cost of the stay.)


To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0502009001
SI 02009.001 - Computations - General - 04/24/2024
Batch run: 04/24/2024
Rev:04/24/2024