WHAT IS WINDFALL OFFSET?

If you are eligible for retroactive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security benefits for the same month, we cannot pay you the full amount of both benefits for that month. We call this windfall offset.

HOW WILL WINDFALL OFFSET AFFECT MY BENEFIT AMOUNT?

We will reduce your retroactive Social Security benefits if you are eligible for Social Security and SSI benefits for the same months. We reduce your Social Security benefits by the amount of SSI you would not have received if we had paid you Social Security benefits when they were due.

Most cases with windfall offset can be processed quickly. However, in some complicated situations, calculating the windfall offset may cause a delay in getting your retroactive benefits paid to you.

WHEN IS WINDFALL OFFSET APPLIED?

Windfall offset applies when:

	You are eligible for both Social Security and SSI benefits for the same month;
	You are eligible for retroactive Social Security benefits; and
	Your SSI benefits would have been less if we paid you Social Security benefits when they were due.

WHAT IS THE WINDFALL OFFSET PERIOD?

The windfall offset period begins in the month that you become eligible for both retroactive Social Security and SSI benefits. The offset period ends when we start paying you monthly Social Security benefits.

IF I RECEIVE ONLY SSI BENEFITS, DOES WINDFALL OFFSET APPLY TO ME?

No. Windfall offset applies only when you are eligible to receive both Social Security and SSI retroactive benefits for the same months.

WHAT TYPES OF BENEFITS ARE SUBJECT TO WINDFALL OFFSET?

The windfall offset applies only to Social Security benefits and SSI benefits .

	Social Security is a program for individuals who work and pay Social Security taxes and for their dependents. Social Security pays retirement, survivors, and disability benefits.
	SSI is a program for individuals who are age 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability and have limited income and resources. Your SSI payment amount is based on the SSI Federal benefit rate.