SSI Redetermination Letters: What They Mean and How to Prepare

How to Keep Your Benefits and Stay Compliant with Social Security

Introduction: What Is an SSI Redetermination?

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you might get a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) asking for a “redetermination.” When that happens, many people ask:

📬 Why did I get an SSI redetermination letter?

📬 Will my benefits be reduced or stopped?

📬 What do I need to send to Social Security?

The short answer:

✔ An SSI redetermination is a regular review to make sure you still qualify for benefits.

✔ SSA checks your income, resources, and living arrangements.

✔ It’s not a bad sign—you just need to respond and provide accurate information.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

✅ What a redetermination is

✅ Why SSA sends it

✅ What documents you’ll need

✅ What happens if you don’t respond

✅ How to get help and prepare

✅ How Purple helps you track your eligibility and avoid surprises

1. What Is an SSI Redetermination?

A redetermination is a review of your SSI case to make sure you still meet eligibility requirements.

✔ SSA checks for changes in:

• Income

• Bank account balance (resources)

• Living situation

• Household members

• Other benefits you may be receiving

📌 SSA sends redeterminations every 1 to 6 years, depending on your situation.

2. Why Did I Get an SSI Redetermination Letter?

You may receive a redetermination notice if:

• Your case is up for a scheduled review

• SSA flagged a possible change in income or resources

• You haven’t had a review in several years

• There’s been recent activity like a job, bank deposit, or address change

📬 The letter will say something like:

“We are conducting a review to determine whether you are still eligible for SSI payments.”

💡 It does not mean you did anything wrong—this is a standard process.

3. What Will SSA Ask You to Verify?

To complete the redetermination, SSA may ask for:

✅ Identification and Contact Info

• Proof of address

• Phone number or emergency contact

✅ Income Information

• Recent pay stubs

• Self-employment records

• Bank statements

• Proof of other income (e.g., SNAP, child support, pensions)

✅ Resource Documentation

• Bank account balances

• Vehicle ownership

• Property deeds or leases

• Retirement/investment accounts

✅ Living Arrangement Details

• Rent or mortgage documents

• Utility bills

• Whether anyone helps you with food or housing

📌 You may need to provide records going back several months, especially if SSA suspects overpayments or changes.

4. What Are the Different Types of Redeterminations?

✔ Scheduled Redetermination

• Happens every 1 to 6 years

• Standard review of income and assets

✔ Unscheduled Redetermination

• Triggered by a change in your file (e.g. a wage report, asset spike, or tip from another agency)

✔ Limited Issue Review

• Focuses on one specific issue, like a suspicious deposit or unreported job

💡 Each type may require different levels of documentation.

5. What Happens If You Don’t Respond to an SSI Redetermination Letter?

⚠️ Your benefits may be suspended or stopped.

SSA will send one or two follow-up letters, but if you ignore them or don’t provide documentation:

• You may lose your monthly SSI payments

• SSA could issue an overpayment notice if they believe you no longer qualify

• You may have to repay benefits from the months in question

📌 You usually have 30 days to respond.

6. What If SSA Says You’re No Longer Eligible?

If SSA decides you’re no longer eligible based on your redetermination:

• You’ll receive a Notice of Planned Action

• You can appeal the decision within 60 days

• If you appeal within 10 days, your benefits may continue during the appeal

💡 Use SSA Form SSA-561 (Request for Reconsideration) to appeal.

7. How to Prepare for a Redetermination

✅ Keep Good Records Year-Round

• Save bank statements, rent receipts, and pay stubs

• Track who helps you financially (and how much)

✅ Respond Quickly

• Call SSA as soon as you receive the letter

• Ask for help gathering documents if needed

✅ Get Help If You Need It

• Reach out to a legal aid group, disability rights center, or your local SSA office

• Consider contacting a representative payee if you have one

8. How Purple Helps You Prepare for SSI Redeterminations

💜 Track Income and Resources – Stay under SSI’s $2,000 limit

💜 Store Important Documents – Keep your SSI-related files in one place

💜 Get Alerts for Benefit Changes – Know when SSA reviews are coming

💜 See Monthly Income at a Glance – Avoid unintentional overpayments

💡 With Purple, staying organized and compliant with SSA is easy—even during redeterminations.

9. FAQs About SSI Redeterminations

How Often Will I Get an SSI Redetermination?

🕒 Usually every 1 to 6 years, but sometimes sooner if your situation changes.

What If I Lost the Letter?

📞 Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 and ask for a copy or update.

What If I’m Over the Resource Limit Temporarily?

You may still qualify if you spend down before the end of the month or use an ABLE account.

Can I Lose SSI After a Redetermination?

Yes—if SSA finds you’re over the income or asset limit, or no longer meet eligibility rules.

10. Conclusion: Don’t Panic—Just Be Prepared

✅ SSI redeterminations are normal, but you must respond and provide documents

✅ Keep good records year-round and track your income and resources

✅ Appeal if you disagree with SSA’s decision

✅ Use Purple to stay organized and protect your benefits

💜 Sign Up for Purple to Prepare for SSI Reviews and Stay Eligible!