Certain life changes can affect your Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, payments differently than they would Social Security payments and SSI is a needs-based program.  

Jack Myers at Social Security reminds eligibility is not based on your work history,

income and resources are a factor of eligibility, and changes in your circumstances could affect your SSI eligibility.  

If you are receiving or applying for SSI you should report changes for yourself and your spouse, if you live together. Additionally, Myers notes if you have applied for SSI for a child, changes should be reported for the parents who are in the same household as the child. 

For a full description of SSI reporting responsibilities look for a pamphlet called Understanding Supplemental Security Income Reporting Responsibilities at www.ssa.gov. If you need to report wages to Social Security because you or your spouse or child receives SSI benefits, the most convenient ways to do that are either through the free SSA Mobile Wage Reporting app for smartphones (Apple or Android), or  mySocialSecurity online wage reporting tool.

To get started with either of these options report the work to your local Social Security office 1st. When you do so, tell the representative that you would rather report wages electronically every month so you don’t have to send in paystubs.  

Once we get it set up for you, you will be ready to go. You can also sign up for monthly reminders via e-mail or text to help you remember to report wages. You can report changes in person, over the phone, or by writing your local Social Security office www.ssa.gov/locator or calling 1-800-772-1213.