What must a household do in relation to its income to avoid SSI overpayments?

To avoid SSI (Supplemental Security Income) overpayments, it is crucial for a household to report any changes in income immediately. This requirement is in place because SSI benefits are based on the recipient's financial situation, and any increase in income can affect eligibility and payment amounts. Failure to report changes promptly can lead to overpayments, which recipients would need to repay, creating financial hardship. Timely reporting ensures that benefits reflect current circumstances, helps maintain compliance with program rules, and prevents unintentional financial discrepancies.

Other options, although relevant to income management, do not specifically address the immediate reporting responsibility that is critical for maintaining correct SSI benefit levels. For example, earning less than the federal minimum wage or keeping income below the poverty line does not directly impact the obligation to report changes in income. Similarly, while filing taxes annually is important for overall financial documentation, it does not substitute for the need to report income changes as they happen for SSI purposes.