What if every gift had been cash? This is the report Maya would have needed.
4 gifts to tell Social Security about.
$831 counts as her income for November, so her January 2027 check would be $198 instead of $1,029.
- Given in November
- $1,500
- Counted as her income
- $831
- Her January 2027 check
- $198
Tell Social Security
On November 8, John gave me $649 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 November 8, John gave me $138 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 November 8, John 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
On November 8, John gave me $623 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 November 2026.
- On November 8, John gave me $649 in cash for school costs. I have the receipts.
- On November 8, John gave me $138 in cash.
- On November 8, John gave me $90 in cash.
- On November 8, John gave me $623 in cash.
- Those are all the gifts from family and friends in November. I have the receipts if you need them.
Reporting by December 10, 2026 keeps her check right. A report that is late can mean a deduction of $25 the first time, then $50, then $100.