http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/cpquer...el=TOC_499096&

https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502101020

https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0502006001

That's it in a nutshell.

It would take another Act of Congress. The law (PL 109-171) is also called the Deficit Reduction Act. I call this provision an attempt to balance the budget on the backs of the SSI recipients. Why else would you only be able to get three months worth of benefits today, three months worth in six months and then the balance of any amount in 12 months. I find it morally represensible. But your local office would have to ignore the law or find a legal exception.

BTW, food stamps don't reduce or offset SSI or SSDI.

I suggest complaining to your Congressman. However, if Congress has your money, it is highly unlikely in this economic climate that any one of them would take this on as an important section to change.

Before PL 109-171, the SSI installments were paid in the same intervals, but were 12 months worth of benefits, 4 times as much. That was based on the aftermath of the Zebley court case debacle. It is yet another example of government trying to fix a problem and creating another one with the solution.