SSI Reporting Rules: What You Must Tell Social Security and When

If you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the Social Security Administration (SSA) expects you to report certain changes in your life and finances, usually within 10 days after the month the change happens. Not reporting can lead to overpayments, penalties, or even loss of benefits.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains, in plain language, what you must report to SSA, when to report it, how to report, and what can happen if you don’t. This site is not SSA, not a government office, and not an application portal, but it can help you understand what to do through official channels.

Understanding SSI and Why Reporting Matters

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that helps people with limited income and resources who are:

• Age 65 or older, or
• Blind, or
• Have a qualifying disability

Your SSI amount can change when your income, living situation, marital status, or resources change. SSA relies on you to tell them about these changes on time.

If you do not report required changes:

• You may be overpaid and must pay SSA back
• Your monthly payments may be reduced, suspended, or stopped
• SSA may apply penalties (such as reduced payments for several months)

The Basic SSI Reporting Rule: The 10‑Day Deadline

In most situations, SSA expects you to report changes no later than 10 days after the end of the month in which the change occurred.

Example:
If you start a new job on March 12:

• The change occurred in March
• You typically must report it by April 10

If you miss this window, still report as soon as you can. It is usually better to tell SSA late than not at all.

What You Must Report If You Receive SSI

Below are the most common types of changes you are required to report to SSA when you receive SSI. For many people, more than one of these can happen at the same time.

1. Changes in Income

SSA needs to know about all kinds of income, not just wages. You usually must report:

Earned income (money from work)

• Starting or stopping a job
• Changes in hours or pay rate
• Overtime or bonuses
• Self‑employment income (gig work, freelance, small business)

Unearned income

• Social Security retirement or disability payments
• Veterans benefits
• Unemployment benefits
• Workers’ compensation
• Pensions
• Cash gifts or regular help from friends/family
• Child support or alimony
• Lottery or gambling winnings

What to gather when reporting income:

• Pay stubs or wage statements
• Award letters for other benefits (like unemployment or retirement)
• Bank statements showing deposits
• Any written notice showing start dates, end dates, and amounts

2. Changes in Resources (Assets)

Your SSI eligibility can be affected if your countable resources go above SSA’s resource limit (commonly things like cash, bank accounts, some property, etc.).

You generally must report:

• New bank accounts or large increases in balances
• Receiving property, land, or vehicles
• Receiving an inheritance or lawsuit settlement
• Selling property, cars, or other assets
• Opening or closing retirement accounts or investments

SSA does not count everything as a resource. For many people, the home they live in and one vehicle used for transportation are often not counted, but details can vary by individual situation.

Helpful documents to have ready:

• Bank or credit union statements
• Titles or deeds to property or vehicles
• Legal paperwork for inheritances or settlements

3. Changes in Living Situation

Where and with whom you live can affect how much SSI you receive.

Report if:

• You move (even within the same building or city)
• You start or stop living with a spouse, partner, roommate, or family
• You move into or out of a nursing home, hospital, group home, shelter, or other facility
• Someone starts paying your rent, mortgage, or utility bills
• You start or stop paying your own share of household expenses

Information SSA may ask for:

• New address and move‑in date
• Names of people you live with
• How much you pay toward rent, mortgage, food, and utilities

4. Changes in Marital Status or Household Members

Marital status and who is in your household can change your SSI amount.

You typically must report:

• Marriage (including common‑law marriages in places that recognize them)
• Divorce or legal separation
• Annulment
• A spouse moving in or out of your home
• A child being born, adopted, or leaving the household
• A household member who starts or stops working or providing you financial support

Have ready:

• Marriage certificate, divorce/separation papers, or adoption documents
• Basic information about your spouse’s or child’s income and resources

5. Changes in Citizenship or Immigration Status

SSI has citizenship and certain immigration status requirements. You must report:

• Becoming a U.S. citizen
• Any change in immigration status (for example, new or expired documents)
• Leaving or returning to the U.S. if you are not a citizen

Keep documents such as:

• Naturalization certificate
• Permanent resident card or other official immigration documents

6. Changes in School Attendance (For Children or Young Adults)

If the SSI recipient is under 18, or a young adult still in school, SSA may need to know about their school status.

Report:

• Starting or stopping school, college, or training programs
• Changing from full‑time to part‑time attendance, or vice versa
• Homeschooling or changing schools

SSA may ask for:

• School enrollment or attendance verification
• Name and contact information for the school

7. Leaving or Returning to the United States

If you receive SSI and leave the United States, you usually need to tell SSA:

• When you leave the U.S.
• When you return
• How long you were outside the country
• Where you went

Extended stays outside the U.S. can affect your eligibility and payment. Time limits and rules can be strict, so reporting is important.

8. Changes in Medical Condition or Work Ability (For Disability‑Based SSI)

If you receive SSI based on disability or blindness, SSA may review your case to see if you still meet disability rules.

You generally should report:

• If you start working or increase your work hours
• If your medical condition improves enough that you can work more
• Major medical changes that affect your ability to work

This is separate from medical treatment decisions. For personal medical advice, talk with your healthcare provider. For benefits rules, contact SSA or a qualified benefits counselor.

Common Reporting Requirements at a Glance

Here is a simple overview of what to report and when. This is only a general guide; SSA may ask you to report additional details in your specific case.

*SSA’s standard rule is often no later than 10 days after the end of the month in which the change occurred, but some situations may have special timelines. When in doubt, contact SSA right away.

How to Report Changes to SSA

You cannot report changes to SSA through HowToGetAssistance.org. To update your information, you must go through official SSA channels. Options may include:

1. By Phone

• Call the Social Security Administration’s national toll‑free number
• You can ask questions and report many types of changes
• You may need to confirm your identity and provide documentation

If you prefer, you may contact your local Social Security office by phone. You can usually find the number on official government correspondence or by using the office locator on SSA’s official website.

2. In Person at a Local Social Security Office

Some people choose to report changes in person at a local SSA office, especially for more complicated changes.

When visiting, it can help to bring:

• Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or other accepted ID)
• Social Security card (if available)
• Any related documents (pay stubs, bank statements, leases, marriage certificates, etc.)

Office procedures can vary, and some locations may require appointments, especially during busy times. Calling ahead can save time.

3. Online (For Certain Types of Changes)

For some SSI recipients, SSA may allow certain updates through:

• An official online account portal (often called a “my Social Security” account)
• Specific online tools for reporting wages or checking information

Online options are not always available for every type of change, and features can change over time. For accurate details, check directly on SSA’s official website or through its official customer service line.

4. Mobile Wage Reporting (For Some SSI Recipients)

In some cases, SSA may allow SSI recipients (or their representative payees) to report monthly wages using:

• An automated telephone wage reporting system, or
• An official mobile wage reporting app

Availability and rules for these options can vary, and not all types of income can be reported this way. These tools are usually limited to earned wages, not all income types.

What Happens After You Report a Change

When you report, SSA may:

1. Update your record with the new information
2. Ask for documents to verify the change
3. Recalculate your SSI payment amount
4. Send you a notice by mail explaining any change in benefits

You may see your SSI amount go up, down, or stay the same, depending on the kind of change you reported.

If you disagree with a decision, the notice you receive should explain how to:

• Ask for reconsideration (appeal)
• Request a hearing if your first appeal is denied
• Protect your rights regarding deadlines for appeals

Appeal rules can be time‑sensitive. If you plan to appeal, it is important to read the notice carefully and act within the stated timeframe.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Problems

Many SSI recipients run into issues because of simple misunderstandings. Being aware of these can help you avoid problems:

• Not reporting income from “small” jobs
  Even part‑time work, side jobs, or cash income can count and must usually be reported.

• Assuming SSA will “find out anyway”
  SSA sometimes does verify information, but you are still responsible for timely reporting.

• Forgetting to report when someone else pays your bills
  If someone regularly pays your rent, utilities, or buys your groceries, SSA may treat this as in‑kind support, which can affect your SSI.

• Missing the 10‑day window
  Even if you miss it, report as soon as you can. Waiting longer can increase any overpayment amount.

• Not keeping records
  Without pay stubs, bank statements, or letters, it can be harder to show what actually happened if SSA’s records differ.

Overpayments and Penalties: What If You Forget to Report?

If SSA later discovers that your benefits were too high because you did not report a required change, you may face:

Overpayments

An overpayment happens when SSA pays you more than you should have received. SSA can:

• Send you a notice explaining the overpayment amount
• Ask you to repay the money
• Reduce your future SSI payments to recover the amount

If you receive an overpayment notice and believe it is wrong, or if paying it back would cause hardship, you can usually:

• Request an appeal if you think the overpayment is incorrect
• Ask SSA to waive the overpayment if you believe it was not your fault and you cannot afford to repay

The overpayment notice should explain how to do this and list important deadlines.

Penalties

On top of overpayments, SSA may apply penalties for failing to report required changes, especially if they believe it was intentional. Penalties might look like:

• A reduction in your monthly SSI payment for several months
• Other actions depending on the circumstances

Reporting changes quickly and honestly is usually the best way to avoid penalties.

How to Stay Organized With SSI Reporting

Here are some practical steps that many SSI recipients find helpful:

• Keep a dedicated folder or binder
  Store pay stubs, bank statements, leases, letters from SSA, and any official documents about income or living arrangements.

• Write down important dates
  Note when you start a job, move, get married, or have any change that might affect SSI.

• Report changes in writing and keep copies when possible
  If you mail or drop off documents, keep a copy of what you submitted and when.

• Review SSA letters carefully
  Notices often explain what you need to do next and how to appeal if you disagree.

If you feel overwhelmed, some people choose to get help from:

• Local legal aid organizations
• Disability advocacy groups
• Community organizations that offer benefits counseling

These helpers are separate from SSA and from HowToGetAssistance.org, but they may help you understand your rights and responsibilities.

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official SSA Channels

Because SSI is a federal benefit, it’s important to avoid scams and make sure you are dealing with real SSA offices and contacts. To protect yourself:

• Be cautious of anyone who asks for money to speed up SSI decisions
• Be careful with unsolicited calls, texts, or emails claiming to be from SSA
• SSA typically does not threaten arrest or demand payment with gift cards or wire transfers
• When in doubt, hang up and call SSA’s official number yourself using a verified source
• Use only official SSA contact information from government documents, SSA’s own publications, or by asking at a government office

HowToGetAssistance.org does not handle SSI applications, payments, or reporting. To change your SSI information or manage your case, you must work directly with SSA or another official government office.

If You Don’t Currently Receive SSI but Think You Might Qualify

If you are not on SSI yet but believe you may qualify:

• You generally must apply directly through SSA
• You can usually call SSA, use their official online application tools (if available for your situation), or visit a local office
• Be prepared with documents showing your identity, income, resources, living situation, and medical condition (if applying based on disability)

If SSA decides you do not qualify, their notice should explain:

• The reason for the denial
• Your appeal rights and how to request a review
• Deadlines for taking the next step if you disagree

Understanding what you must tell SSA and when can protect your SSI benefits and help you avoid avoidable problems. When you have a change in income, resources, living situation, or other key parts of your life, the safest approach is to contact SSA as soon as possible through their official phone line, local office, or approved online tools, and follow any instructions they provide for your specific case.