Social Security Terminology

The following terms are commonly used when involving Social Security.

Abatement

The collection by the county of RSDI and/or SSI funds in order to pay back benefits already granted to a child or youth. The abatement may be the entire amount of the Social Security Award or just a partial amount. Any excess must be sent to the provider under the discretion of the assigned SW/PO. The SWC is responsible for approving the abatement and the distribution of any excess funds.

Note: Abatement only applies to FC placements.

Child Sub-Payee Account

SSA allows for representative payees to “collect” RSDI and SSI benefits, but before benefits can be paid by SSA, SCCSSA must establish an account for each individual that is eligible to receive benefits. A CSP is established by the SWC.

RSDI Benefits

SSA benefits is a general term used to describe various awards granted by the SSA which includes Retirement, Survivor's and Disability benefits. In this chapter, SSA benefits are associated with survivors, disability or retirement based benefits or simply RSDI benefits.

SSI Benefits

SSI is payable to adults or children who are disabled or blind, have limited income and resources, meet the living arrangement requirements, and are otherwise eligible.

SSI Benefits State Supplementary Payment (SSP)

An additional amount paid by the State of California in addition to the federal standard SSI amount. The benefits is also know as the OSS.

Suspension of Benefits

Once a child or youth is approved for SSI, there is an option to suspend the distribution of the benefits for up to 12 months. This allows the child or youth to continue receiving federal AFDC-FC. If the child benefits are not reinstated by the 12th month a new SSI application must be sent SSA to restore benefits. The reinstate month is determined by the month the benefits were suspended.

ExampleExample

When a request for suspension is sent on October 27, 2016, but Benefits are not suspended until November 15, 2016, the benefits must be reinstated by the end of October 2017, of the following year or a new application is required.