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

See all articles by Joyce Nicholas

Joyce Nicholas

Government of the United States of America - Social Security Administration

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

Nicholas, Joyce, Source, Form, and Amount of In-Kind Support and Maintenance Received by Supplemental Security Income Applicants and Recipients (August 1, 2014). Social Security Bulletin. 74(3): 39-54, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2475955

Joyce Nicholas (Contact Author)

Government of the United States of America - Social Security Administration ( email )

Washington, DC 20254
United States

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