State Sends Notices to SSI Recipients About Upcoming Changes in Benefit Administration
As LeadingAge New York reported earlier in the year, New York State is working towards taking over administration of the state portion of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit on October 1, 2014. This means that SSI recipients will receive two payments, rather than one payment each month. The total amount of the monthly benefit will not change.
Why the change? The SSI benefit is comprised of both a federal contribution and a state contribution, referred to as the State Supplement Program (SSP). Historically, the Social Security Administration (SSA) administered both the state and federal contribution, but the State determined that there would be savings in administering the SSP directly. The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) will assume this responsibility.
On August 4, 2014, OTDA began mailing letters notifying SSI/SSP recipients of this change. These letters are being mailed on a staggered basis through mid-August. For your convenience, OTDA has provided us with a copy of the letters sent to SSI recipients. Click here to view the letter sent to those receiving both the federal and state benefit. Some are eligible only for the state benefit; click here to view the sample letter for those individuals. Lastly, click here for a summary of the changes issued by OTDA.
A separate notice from SSA (the federal government agency) will be sent to these same recipients later this month. LeadingAge NY members that serve SSI recipients should be aware of the change and cognizant of the fact consumers will be receiving these letters shortly. Some may have questions or be concerned about the status of their benefit, and we are hoping that your understanding of the matter will allay concerns.
The SSP Customer Support Center has been established and is available to assist recipients and other stakeholders. The toll-free number, 1-855-488-0541, will operate Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:45 PM. All inquiries should be directed to the toll free number. More information about the New York State Supplement Program and the transition from federal to State administration can be found here.
LeadingAge NY has worked closely with OTDA and DOH on this matter. They have extended themselves to us to ensure a smooth transition for beneficiaries, and we appreciate their efforts. Please let us know if you have any questions or encounter any difficulties.
Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828