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Does Union Membership Affect SSI in Pennsylvania?

When times get tough, people often look to forms of assistance from public programs or private groups they are a part of. For many, this means filing for Supplementary Security Income (SSI). For others, this might mean getting help through benefits from a union. Still, some people might rely on a combination of benefits. However, it is possible that union benefits might interfere with your SSI benefits.

If you are a member of a union, you might already be receiving certain benefits, like pensions or disability benefits. Depending on your situation, you might also be eligible for SSI benefits through the Social Security Administration. Your union membership does not automatically preclude you from SSI benefits, but it might reduce your SSI benefits. In order to make the most of both forms of benefits so that your financial position is more secure, contact a disability lawyer.

To receive a free, confidential case evaluation, call our Pennsylvania disability attorneys at Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates at (215) 515-2954.

Can I Receive SSI Benefits if I Am in a Union in Pennsylvania?

Everyone needs to support themselves financially, but many people have difficulty doing this on their own. They might be ill, have a disability, or have some other reason why they cannot work or cannot earn sufficient income to support themselves. When this happens, people may turn to certain forms of assistance. This might include SSI benefits or benefits through a union membership.

If you are a member of a union and receive benefits of some kind, such as disability benefits, for example, you might still be eligible to receive SSI benefits. However, if you plan on taking advantage of both forms of assistance, you should speak to our Pennsylvania disability attorneys, as they might interfere with each other. Generally, eligibility for SSI benefits is based on several criteria, including financial hardship. If your benefits through your union provide you with enough financial support, your SSI benefits might be affected.

Even so, it is possible to receive both benefits simultaneously. Exactly how much your SSI benefits are worth might go up or down, depending on what your union benefits are worth. Your attorney can help you make sure you get the best of both.

How Union Membership Affects SSI Benefits in Pennsylvania

SSI benefits are based on a person’s financial need, among other eligibility criteria. According to 20 C.F.R. § § 416.202(a)-(e), you must be blind, disabled, or aged 65 or older. You must also be a resident of the U.S. and a citizen, lawfully present alien, or child of an armed forces member living abroad. You may not have more resources or income than permitted. According to the SSA, eligible individuals should not be earning more than $1,971 per month. However, certain forms of income are not counted, and you should speak to an attorney to determine if other benefits or assistance count as income.

Suppose your union membership benefits provide you with some form of financial assistance. In that case, you might be ineligible for SSI benefits, depending on how much assistance you receive and what form it is in. If you are still eligible for SSI benefits, these benefits could be reduced based on your other sources of income or support.

Whether your union membership benefits count as income for purposes of calculating SSI benefits might mean the difference between getting the support you need or not. Talk to your lawyer about the union you are a member of, what kind of support you receive, the value of that support, and any other details surrounding the issue. In some cases, union benefits have little effect on SSI benefits. In others, they might cause SSI benefits to be reduced or even denied.

What Do I Do if My Union Membership Changes While Receiving SSI Benefits in Pennsylvania?

If you are currently receiving SSI benefits and benefits through a union membership, you must inform the SSA of any changes in your income. For example, maybe your union benefits run out or are terminated for some reason. In that case, you may continue receiving SSI benefits, but they may be adjusted since your income from other sources has been reduced.

Changes in your income, resources, and living arrangements must be reported to the Social Security Administration (SSA) each month. If your union membership changes, benefits or other forms of support you might receive might also change. If your union provides you with greater assistance or benefits, your SSI benefits might be reduced or even terminated. If your union benefits cease or are reduced, you might be able to make up the difference with greater SSI benefits.

How to Avoid Complications Between Union Memberships and SSI Benefits in Pennsylvania

The best way to avoid complications between benefits is to speak to a disability lawyer. If you have not yet filed for SSDI benefits but already receive benefits or assistance through a union membership, talk about it with your attorney. They can help you figure out if your union benefits count as income or may otherwise be used to reduce SSI benefits.

If you are currently receiving both forms of benefits and the status of one of those benefits changes, your lawyer can assist you in making sure you do not lose the value of either. For example, if your union benefits increase or are adjusted, they might jeopardize your SSI benefits. However, union benefits are not always counted when the SSA calculates SSI benefits, depending on what kind of assistance you get from your union.

The rules surrounding how different benefits affect SSI benefits are very complex. Even non-monetary assistance, like food, clothing, or housing, may or may not count when adjusting SSI benefits. The best thing you can do is speak to an experienced lawyer about your situation.