Why One Disabled Mom Fears Living With Her Adult Child

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Why One Disabled Mom Fears Living With Her Adult Child

Many people rely on

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to navigate confusing financial and government systems — and the r/SocialSecurity subreddit is no exception. One

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drew attention for highlighting a common but complicated concern: how Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, benefits may be affected if a recipient moves in with family.

A user wrote about their mother, 48, who recently began receiving

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after a successful disability claim. “She’s permanently disabled due to a back injury from a car accident in 2008,” the post explained. “My mom swears she was told she cannot live with anyone who has income or she will lose or have her benefits reduced.”

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The poster added that the home is under their father’s name — the mother’s legally separated spouse — and that the poster and their father pay half the mortgage. The mother is hesitant to move in, fearing that Social Security will “look up who owns the house and question why she’s living at her ex-husband’s house,” according to the post. “She’s so paranoid, but is this true?”

The confusion likely stems from how the

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treats SSI versus Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI. Several

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users pointed this out in the comments.

“If she’s on SSI, the rules are indeed very strict,” one commenter explained. “If SSDI, it doesn’t matter where she lives or what her assets are.”

The distinction is important. SSDI is based on work history and is not income-tested, meaning living with someone who has income — even a family member — usually doesn’t affect your benefits. SSI, on the other hand, is a needs-based program for people with limited income and assets. In SSI cases, help with housing can reduce the benefit amount.

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According to the

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, your living situation can directly impact your SSI benefit. If someone else — like a child or other family member — provides free shelter or pays your rent, your monthly SSI payment may be reduced by up to one-third of the federal benefit rate.

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However, there are ways to avoid this reduction. Many

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commenters recommended creating a formal rental agreement.

“Do a legal lease,” one user advised. “She rents a room and pays. There should be proof of her paying rent. Having a receipt.” Several others chimed in to say they use this approach with their own parents who receive SSI.

The SSA’s own guidance confirms this approach. As long as an SSI recipient pays their fair share of household expenses — rent, utilities, etc. — they can still receive the full benefit amount.

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. 

One key change that may help ease concerns: as of Sept. 30, the SSA has updated how it treats meals provided by others. If someone pays for your food but not your shelter, your SSI will no longer be reduced. However, if someone pays for both your food and shelter, your benefit may still be reduced.

This nuance is likely why the original poster’s mother is so worried — and why clear, personalized advice is often needed.

If you or a loved one receives SSI and is considering moving in with a family member, it’s essential to understand the SSA’s rules on household contributions. A written lease and proof of payment can make all the difference. SSDI recipients generally have more flexibility, but with SSI, even small changes in living arrangements can impact benefits.

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#Disabled #Mom #Fears #Living #Adult #Child

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