July 1995 • No. 3, Article 4

How You Live Affects Your SSI

Many times we have been asked by a person receiving SSI why his or her monthly check is lower than someone else's check. There could be many explanations including reductions due to income or deductions made for an overpayment. The most common reason for the difference in payment, however, is the person's living situation. Social Security recognizes three basic types of living situations: living in your own household, living in the household of another, and living in a situation without access to cooking facilities. Following is a brief description of each situation and the corresponding monthly SSI entitlement in California. As usual, the rules can get complex, so keep in mind the descriptions that appear here are very general.

Own Household - Monthly SSI amount: $614.40 You fit under "Own Household" when you pay your basic living expenses. This includes rent, utilities and food. If you live with others you generally must pay your fair share. Thus, if three people live in the house you must pay one-third of the above expenses.

Household of Another - Monthly SSI amount: $473.80 This is when you do not pay your own living expenses or your fair share of household living expenses. For example, you live with a parent, child or friend who does not charge you for room and board or charges only a small amount.

No Cooking Facilities - Monthly SSI amount: $682.40 This category describes you if you live in a location where you do not have access to cooking facilities. Homelessness usually falls into this category.

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