EDD unemployment vs. SSI reporting requirements - trip winnings question

Wrong forum dude this is for EDD unemployment stuff

Yes, your sister absolutely needs to report this to SSI. The Social Security Administration considers non-cash items that can be valued in cash terms (like an all-expenses-paid trip) as "in-kind income" and it could definitely affect her SSI payment. The trip's market value ($3,800) would count as unearned income for the month she receives it. I had to deal with this when I was on both UI and SSI a few years ago. She should report it within 10 days of receiving the prize or she could face penalties for unreported income. SSI has a $2,000 resource limit, so this could potentially make her ineligible for the month.

my cousin won som gift cards last yr on SSI and didnt tell nobody, nothin happened to her checks. but trips might be diffrent idk

I've been on both SSI and unemployment at different times and YES she absolutely has to report it! Social Security considers anything with cash value as countable income or resources. She should call her SSI caseworker right away before accepting the trip. If I remember correctly, they might count it as income in the month she takes the trip, which would reduce her SSI payment for that month. If the value is high enough, it could eliminate her payment entirely for that month. Oh, and if any part of the prize can be converted to cash (like if she could take cash instead of the trip), that would DEFINITELY count against her resource limit.

i think ur looking for r/SSI or r/socialsecurity this is for EDD unemployment questions

While this is an EDD forum, I can share that when I was helping my mom with her SSI, we learned that ANY prize valued over $20 needs to be reported as unearned income. This includes trips, cars, even electronics or gift cards. SSI has different rules than unemployment insurance. One important thing: if your sister reports it proactively, she's much less likely to face penalties than if SSA discovers it later during an audit. They might reduce her payment for the month, but at least she'll be in compliance. Side note for anyone dealing with EDD: getting through to EDD is just as difficult as reaching SSA sometimes. I used Claimyr.com to connect with an EDD agent when I needed to sort out my own benefits situation last month. They have this handy service where they call EDD for you and connect you when an agent is on the line. Saved me hours of redial frustration! You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km

My situation was a bit different, but when I was transitioning from unemployment to SSI last year, I had to report EVERYTHING. Like seriously, they wanted to know about a $50 birthday gift from my grandma. It's better to report and maybe have a reduced payment for a month than risk an overpayment situation later. Those SSI overpayment notices are a nightmare to deal with, trust me.

did anyone actually answer the original question?? YES you have to report it, but NO she doesn't necessarily have to decline the trip. If she reports it properly, they'll just reduce her SSI payment for that month and then it returns to normal the next month. She should call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 and ask for guidance BEFORE accepting the trip. btw this does relate to unemployment in a way because if you win prizes while on UI you also have to report them!