December 6, 2008

Question: As a senior, my only income is Supplemental Security Income, or SSI. My brother recently died and left me a little money. Will this extra money stop my SSI benefits?

Answer: It all depends on the amount of your inheritance. It is considered income for the month you received the inheritance. You will have to report that and we will adjust your benefit for the month accordingly. If you keep the money into the next month, it then becomes a part of your resources. To get SSI benefits, you are limited to $2,000 in total resources, although there are exceptions. Call Social Security at (800) 772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and report the inheritance. We will tell you how your eligibility will be affected. For more information, go to our Web site at socialsecurity.gov.

– MCT NEWS SERVICE

 This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For fast answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security at (800) 772-1213.

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