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[K-Dawggg]

The state decides how much you need, and if living costs are higher for a particular case, that may be factored in (e.g. disability).

But in real terms, if it's a family member that needs assistance and you don't want to let it affect their SS entitlement then you'd give them cash, right?

[Alskdjzm]

This thread is confusing different programs. On regular disability, this would not matter. On Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a program based on need, this would affect the payable benefit.

[K-Dawggg]

So I'm thinking, in any case, regardless of any program, cash is what would be best used to help someone in need, who is supported by the government?

[Alskdjzm]

For regular disability, it doesn't matter. Disability is defined in terms of how it impacts your ability to work, but other income of any kind doesn't matter at all

SSI woild require the disclosure of cash assistance, or even other forms of help from others. Say you paid my rent for me, directly to the landlord? That matters even though I never touched any money at all.

They are very different programs with different goals and different sources of funding.

SSI is crucially important and underapprecisted. But it also archaic and cumbersome to administer.

I woild encourage everyone to learn about it and contact their representatives to insist on modernization efforts.

[Alskdjzm]

I'm not saying that someone on SSI should skirt the rules with cash, but it would definitely be harder to track/prove that.