Since October 1, 2014, if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks, you’ve probably noticed a change in the way you receive your payments. If you’re eligible for both federal and state payments, you’re now getting one check from SSI and a separate payment from the New York State Supplement Program, called SSP.

As of January 1, 2015, SSI payments and SSP payments have increased by 1.7 percent because of a Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA). The Social Security Administration has mailed letters documenting the increase in SSI payments, but New York State has not provided similar documentation regarding the increase in SSP payments.

This document is vital for your records and is necessary when you provide proof of income for programs such as SNAP (food stamps), the state’s rent freeze program (formerly SCRIE/DRIE), and Section 8. When you recertify for these and other programs, you are required to provide proof of ALL income. Not having this document might put you at risk for losing these benefits if this income goes unreported.

For assistance obtaining your documentation letter, please contact Nina Akopyan, 718-376-0999, ext. 110.

If you have any questions about the changes in your state payment, contact the New York State SSP Customer Support Center at 855-488-0541.

To contact SSI, call 800-772-1213.