EXAMPLE 1: Month of Application
Mrs. Askins is receiving SSI benefits. Mr. Askins files for SSI on 08/28/ 96; he will
attain age 65 on 09/03/96. Couple computation rules do not apply for September because
Mr. Askins was not eligible for benefits on September 1, the first day of the month
following the date the application was filed. Mr. and Mrs. Askins are an eligible
couple beginning 10/01/96, the first day of the month following the date Mr. Askins
meets all factors of eligibility. (For the months of August and September, Mrs. Askins
is an eligible individual with an ineligible spouse and deeming would apply.)
EXAMPLE 2: Month of Application
Mr. Bishop has been receiving SSI since 07/92. His spouse, who had not been receiving
SSI, files for SSI on 08/29/96 because she attained age 65 on 08 /27/96. Couple computation
rules apply beginning 09/01/96, because the requirements in SI 00501.154A.1. are met on first day of the month following the date Mrs. Bishop's application
was filed.
In the same example, Mr. and Mrs. Bishop draw SSI as a couple from 09/96 - 12 /96,
but become resources ineligible effective 01/97. On 03/10/97 they file a request for
reinstatement of benefits because their resources dropped below the limit on 2/28/97.
They will be eligible as a couple with couple computation rules applying for March
since they meet couple criteria on the date their request for reinstatement is filed
and they meet the resources criteria as of the first moment of the month.
EXAMPLE 3: Couple Filing in Same Month
Mrs. Reynolds is over age 65 and files for SSI on 8/24/96. She informs the CR that
Mr. Reynolds is ill, but will come in on 8/29/96 to file for SSI. He applies on 8/30/96,
and will attain age 65 on 9/2/96. Couple computation rules do not apply for September
because Mr. Reynolds was not eligible on September 1. Mrs. Reynolds, however, will
be paid as of 9/1/ 96, (the first day of the month following the date she filed) as
an individual with an ineligible spouse. They will be paid as a couple on 10/01/96.
EXAMPLE 4: Separate Application and Request for Reinstatement in A Month
Mrs. Altman has been receiving SSI since 1/95. Her benefits were suspended from 1/96-8/96
because of excess income. Her husband retired in 7/96 and filed for SSI on 8/25/96
(he became age 65 in May). On 8/30/96, Mrs. Altman requested reinstatement of her
benefits, since her income dropped beginning in August. Mr. Altman is eligible for
benefits 09/01/96, the first day of the month following the date his application is
filed. Since Mrs. Altman no longer has excess income and requested reinstatement on
8/30/96, she is eligible for August as an individual with an ineligible spouse, as
Mr. Altman is not eligible for payment until September. Beginning September 1, they
can be paid as an eligible couple.