Source, Form, and Amount of In-Kind Support and Maintenance Received by Supplemental Security Income Applicants and Recipients
Social Security Bulletin. 74(3): 39-54
16 Pages Posted: 5 Aug 2014 Last revised: 25 Apr 2015
Date Written: August 1, 2014
Abstract
In-kind support and maintenance (ISM) is unearned income received by Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applicants and recipients in the form of food and/or shelter from anyone living within or outside their households. About 9 percent of SSI recipients have their benefit rates reduced because of ISM during any given year. Using data from the Modernized SSI Claims System (MSSICS), this article quantifies the source, form, and amount of ISM received by SSI recipients. As of October 2009, ISM recipients were more likely to receive support from outside than within their households, receive assistance in the form of shelter rather than food, and/or allege assistance equal to or less than the current ISM caps. MSSICS data also reveal that SSI recipients were more likely to receive ISM exceeding their ISM cap if they were aged and living in their own home while receiving support from outside of their households and/or in the form of shelter.
Keywords: assistance, safety net, Supplemental Security Income
JEL Classification: I38
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation