A Fact Sheet from Social Security about the Reduction of the SSI/State Supplement Payment

Reduction of SSI Payments
Effective November 1, 2009

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) you receive includes money from the State of California. The amount from the state is known as State Supplementary Payment (SSP). Due to a recent change in California State law the SSP amounts payable to most SSI recipients are being reduced effective November 1, 2009.

State Supplementary Payment Reductions

 Your SSI payments may either be lowered or stopped depending on your other income.

 If this change in amounts affects you, you will receive a letter telling you the new amount you will receive or that your payments will stop.

 This reduction was mandated by the State of California, not the Social Security Administration. California has the legal right to determine the amount of SSP levels to its residents eligible for SSI. If you have questions regarding this decision, you may contact your local State legislator. Information about who to contact may be found at the following website: http://www.legislature.ca.gov/legislators_and_districts/legislators/your_legislator.html

Medi-Cal

 If you are not eligible for SSI your Medi-Cal will not automatically be stopped. It is not necessary for you to contact the county welfare office. The county will continue your Medi-Cal benefits while your Medi-Cal eligibility is being evaluated and notify you of the results or ask you for additional information.

Appeals

 The State decision to reduce the SSP levels cannot be appealed. If you file an appeal only on the state-initiated change in payment level, your appeal will be dismissed.

 You do have the right to appeal other determinations, such as living arrangement or income.