Q: I am a 27-year-old who has applied to receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) through Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The representative from the SSA informed me that my payment will be reduced because I live with my parents. Why?

A: SSI is a needs-based program, meaning that your benefit payment can be affected by any other income you are receiving, which includes non-monetary income like help paying your bills and other expenses. If you receive food, shelter, or monetary assistance, your payments can be reduced. Typically, if you are living in another person’s household and pay less than your fair share of the expenses of the house, this is considered to be the case. If you move or there is a change in the situation in your parents’ house, you should be sure to inform the SSA.