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This final rule removes food from the calculation of In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM). Accordingly, we would calculate ISM based only on shelter expenses (i.e., costs associated with room, rent, mortgage payments, real property taxes, heating fuel, gas, electricity, water, sewerage, and garbage collection services). The changes simplify our policy and promote equity by not disadvantaging an already vulnerable population when they receive food assistance.

In the Fall of 2022, we heard from advocacy groups representing claimants and beneficiaries during two E.O. 12866 listening sessions. We incorporated our notes in the rulemaking record via www.regulations.gov, under docket SSA-2021-0014.

Statement of Need:

This change would remove food costs when we calculate ISM. By doing so, it streamlines the ISM policy and resulting SSI program complexity.

Summary of the Legal Basis:

We are removing food from our ISM calculations. This will streamline the policy and reduce the program complexity of ISM.

Alternatives:

The current proposal streamlines the SSI process.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits:

We estimate that implementation of this proposed rule for all eligibility and payment determinations effective April 1, 2023 and later will result in an increase in Federal SSI payments of a total of about $1.5 billion over the period of fiscal years 2023 through 2032. 

Risks:

We do not anticipate risk to the integrity of our program.