In Kind Support and Maintenance

In-kind support and maintenance is income not earned from work but is food and shelter or other kinds of gifts provided by another person to a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claimant. Because SSI if only offered to claimants with very limited income and resources, the SSA does limit a claimant's benefit payments if they are receiving certain wages and benefits, including in- kind support and maintenance. For instance, SSI can be reduced if the claimant receives wages for work, pensions, SSDI benefits, and in-kind income.

What is considered in-kind support and maintenance? It can include property taxes, rent, mortgage payments and utility bills. It does not include phone and cable bills, or medical costs. If you are given other gifts this can also be called in-kind income and is valued at the current market value and subtracted from the SSI payment. Consider, however, if you live alone or with another person and you pay for your own food and shelter, this is not considered in-kind support.

If your SSI benefits are not reduced you should receive the maximum federal benefit rate, plus additional funds if your state adds a state supplemental payment.