My friend is collecting SSI. She just started working part-time as a caregiver and is paying FICA and Medicare again. When did this practice start and when will she get benefits from these contributions?

Hi,

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs based benefit. If that is what your friend receives then her current work and earning would not increase her SSI payments, but would instead likely cause her payments to be reduced or stopped altogether.

On the other hand, if you mean that your friend is receiving Social Security retirement benefits then her earnings could potentially increase her future benefit rate, but only if her current earnings are higher than what she earned in one or more of her previous highest 35 years used to calculate her benefit rate (https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10070.pdf).

Best, Jerry