How Can I Legally Get Money on SNAP & SSI Without It Hurting My Benefits
Laura asked:
What can I do to get money legally without hurting my SNAP or SSI benefits?
The short answer is: there usually isn't one special kind of money that is always ignored by both SSI and SNAP. However, some types of income, gifts, savings, and accounts are treated differently under the rules, so it's important to understand how a particular source of money may affect your benefits.
But wait - we've got more details for you below!
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What You Need to Know
If your disability began before age 46 and you qualify, an ABLE account can be one of the best tools for receiving financial help from family and friends while protecting important benefits. If your disability began before age 46 and you otherwise qualify, an ABLE account can allow you to receive and save money in ways that are treated more favorably under SSI and SNAP rules than simply receiving cash directly. Family and friends can contribute to your ABLE account, and the money in the account generally doesn’t count the same way as regular savings for SSI and certain other benefits. Watch our ABLE Account Q&A with ABLE NRC for details.
Here are a few other general things to know:
- Report changes as required. Social Security and your SNAP agency each have reporting requirements. Reporting changes on time can help prevent overpayments or other issues.
- SSI has work incentives. Some earned income may not reduce SSI dollar-for-dollar because the program has work incentives and income exclusions.
- SNAP has its own income rules. Extra income may change your SNAP benefit, but the effect depends on your household circumstances and your state’s SNAP policies.
- Social Security work incentives may also be available. Depending on your situation, programs such as PASS or Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) may help if you’re working toward employment goals.
Also, watch out for gift cards because SNAP and SSI don’t always treat gift cards the same way. Under USDA guidance, gift cards that can only be used at a specific store are generally treated differently for SNAP than prepaid Visa, Mastercard, or other cash-equivalent cards. SSI has separate rules, and whether a gift card counts can depend on what it can be used to buy and whether it can be converted to cash. Because the rules differ, it’s a good idea to verify how a particular type of gift card is treated before relying on it.
This is general educational information only and isn’t a determination about your eligibility or benefits. SSI and SNAP rules can vary based on your circumstances and, for SNAP, your state. Before making decisions that could affect your benefits, it’s best to confirm how the rules apply to your situation with Social Security, your local SNAP office, or a qualified benefits counselor.