Can SSI cut my adult daughter's benefits because "she cant meet her fair share of household expenses?" She lives with her step-dad, younger sister and I. Our mortgage is $2,888.00. And SSI said your mortgage indicates that we make too much money therefore they cut her nenefits from $735.00 to $490.00. How can i get her the maximum benefit?

Hi,

Probably. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs based program intended as a last resort means of providing a subsistence level income to people who are aged, blind or disabled (https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/). SSI payments are funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes. If an SSI recipient receives other types of assistance, including in-kind support and maintenance from a relative or other individual, their SSI payments can be reduced or stopped altogether.

Your daughter could appeal Social Security's decision to reduce her SSI payments, although that will only help if their determination is wrong.

Best, Jerry