I'm on SSI and won at Bingo last night!?

Question

I went to Bingo last and won $900. $650 of it had to be written out by check. I need to know since I'm on SSI will the state hold this against me? It is only $650, but it is in a check and it is more than what my monthly income is. How would I cash my winnings if the state could hold this against me?

Answer 1

If they took your social security number, you will have to report it to SSI. that's income. They will let you know, if they will charge you or not. Next time, take a close friend to have them collect the winning in their name and give them $100.00 for their trouble and the tax they will have to pay on the money when they file their taxes.

Answer 2

no...it wont go against you. you would have to win alot more than that.

Answer 3

BINGO or any other "games of chance" winnings are counted as "unearned income.  check out section F at this link.

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/OP_Home/cf...

This type of unearned income is NOT on the list of things SSI does not count, therefore, SSI will count it as income.  Here is the list of what they DON'T count, and unfortunately you will see that games of chance winnings is not on the list.

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/OP_Home/cf...

Also, according to SSI regulations, you must report any change of income (both earned and unearned) to the SSA.  Check out section C here.

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/OP_Home/cf...

If you do not report this now, their is a VERY GOOD CHANCE that SSI WILL find out about it at  one point if the place you won the prize from reports this to the IRS.  The IRS sends SSI alerts when someone collecting SSI has any income reported to them.  Usually SSI is a year or more behind, but they usually do find out about any reported income to the government.  

You should talk with someone in your state, because the regulations for SSI can be different from state to state.  Chances are SSI will hold this unearned income against you. Sorry.