What if every gift had been cash? This is the report Maya would have needed.
4 gifts to tell Social Security about.
$264 counts as her income for September, so her November 2026 check would be $730 instead of $994.
- Given in September
- $494
- Counted as her income
- $264
- Her November 2026 check
- $730
Tell Social Security
On September 2, Uncle Joe gave me $210 in cash for school costs. I have the receipts.
A gift used for tuition, fees, books, supplies or school technology is not counted. POMS SI 00830.455R-EDU-01
On September 3, Lucy gave me $129 in cash.
Cash or a check given to Maya counts as income in the month it arrives, after small exclusions. 20 CFR 416.1121; POMS SI 00830.520R-CASH-01, R-GIE-01, R-RMA-01
On September 8, Priya gave me $65 in cash.
Cash or a check given to Maya counts as income in the month it arrives, after small exclusions. 20 CFR 416.1121; POMS SI 00830.520R-CASH-01, R-GIE-01, R-RMA-01
On September 14, Rosa gave me $90 in cash.
Cash or a check given to Maya counts as income in the month it arrives, after small exclusions. 20 CFR 416.1121; POMS SI 00830.520R-CASH-01, R-GIE-01, R-RMA-01
How to report
Call 1-800-772-1213, TTY 1-800-325-0778. Or visit or write any Social Security office. Have her Social Security number ready. Giftwise never asks for it.
What to say
- Hello. My name is Maya, and I am calling to report changes to my SSI for September 2026.
- On September 2, Uncle Joe gave me $210 in cash for school costs. I have the receipts.
- On September 3, Lucy gave me $129 in cash.
- On September 8, Priya gave me $65 in cash.
- On September 14, Rosa gave me $90 in cash.
- Those are all the gifts from family and friends in September. I have the receipts if you need them.
Reporting by October 10, 2026 keeps her check right. A report that is late can mean a deduction of $25 the first time, then $50, then $100.