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  How is "unearned income" defined for SSI purposes?
  Question
  How is "unearned income" defined for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) purposes?
  Answer
 

"Unearned income" is all income that is not earned from your job or from your business.  Some common types of unearned income are: 

  • The value of food or shelter that someone gives you, or the amount of money they give you to help pay for them; 
  • Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits; 
  • Railroad retirement and railroad unemployment benefits; 
  • Annuities, pensions from any government or private source, workers' compensation, unemployment insurance benefits, black lung benefits and Social Security benefits; 
  • Prizes, lottery winnings, settlements and awards, including court-ordered awards; 
  • Proceeds of life insurance policies; 
  • Gifts and contributions; 
  • Support and alimony payments; 
  • Inheritances in cash or property; 
  • Rental income; and 
  • Strike pay and other benefits from unions.

You can find more information on SSI income in the booklet, "Understanding SSI".


 
 
 
  
 
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