States Should Be Fully Reimbursed for Interim Assistance to Supplemental Security Income Recipients

Many applicants for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits need financial aid until they receive their first benefit payment which may be delayed for over a year until eligibility is established. This aid is often provided by State or local welfare agencies. The Interim Assistance Reimbursement (IAR) program was established to provide a means of reimbursing States or counties for such assistance.