Is it true that cash payments from VA Pension reduce the amount of SSI benefits?

Cash payments from VA Pension do indeed reduce the amount of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits because SSI is a need-based program. It is designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who have limited income and resources. When an individual receives cash payments from the VA Pension, this is counted as income when determining eligibility and the level of SSI benefits. Therefore, the SSI benefit will be reduced by the amount of the VA Pension received, making the assertion that cash payments from VA Pension reduce the amount of SSI benefits accurate, as the total income determines the level of assistance provided through SSI.

This reflects the underlying principle that SSI payments are intended to meet basic living needs, so any additional income received from sources such as the VA Pension directly lowers the amount of SSI the recipient can claim.