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Supplemental Security Income (SSI) |
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Links to SSI Spotlights 2010 Edition En Español |
Understanding Supplemental Security Income
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When was the SSI law on trusts changed? |
As of January 1, 2000, the SSI law on trusts changed. This information applies to trusts established on or after January 1, 2000. |
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What is a trust? |
A trust is a legal arrangement regulated by State law in which one party holds property for the benefit of another. In certain situations, a trust can be set up for an SSI recipient. A trust can contain:
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How does a trust affect my SSI benefits? |
If you use your assets to establish a trust on or after January 1, 2000, generally, the trust will count as your resource for SSI.
See the SSI Spotlight on ResourcesResources for more information about resources and SSI. |
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What things count as assets and are used to establish a trust? |
Assets usually include your: |
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Are there any exceptions to the law on trusts? |
The law does not apply to:
We will also not count the trust if counting it causes you hardship, and you meet the undue hardship criteria.
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How does money from a trust that is not my resource affect my SSI benefits? |
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How can I find out more about setting up a trust? |
We cannot tell you how to set up a trust. You may consult a lawyer or financial advisor to find out more about trusts. Your local Social Security office has a list of groups that can find you a lawyer or give you free legal services if you qualify. You may also contact the State or local bar association or the Legal Services Corporation for legal assistance if you qualify.
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