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Supplemental Security Income: Some Recipients Transfer Valuable Resources to Qualify for Benefits

HEHS-96-79 Published: Apr 30, 1996. Publicly Released: Apr 30, 1996.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, focusing on: (1) the number of SSI recipients reporting resource transfers; (2) the kind and worth of resources being transferred; and (3) the possible savings resulting from a reinstatement of the SSI transfer-of-resources restriction.

Recommendations

Matter for Congressional Consideration

Matter Status Comments
In light of the potential for reduced program expenditures and increased program integrity, Congress may wish to consider reinstating an SSI transfer-of-resource restriction. The restriction could be calculated in a way that takes into account the value of the resource transferred so that individuals transferring more valuable resources would be ineligible for SSI benefits for longer periods of time than those who transfer less valuable resources.
Closed – Implemented
In December 1999, the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 was enacted, including a provision reinstating an SSI transfer-of-resource penalty.

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Topics

Administrative costsDisadvantaged personsEligibility criteriaIncome maintenance programsMedicaidProgram abusesPublic assistance programsSocial security benefitsTangible assetsWelfare recipientsSupplemental security income