It is important to keep all records concerning assets or resources since your claim was filed. SSI cannot process your claim and pay the back pay until all of the requested information has been supplied. Problems arise when living arrangements change, vehicles are bought or sold, help is received from friends or family, your household income changes etc. If friends or family GIVE you money or pay bills for you, Social Security will deduct the value of the gift from your back pay. If friends or family LOAN you money or pay bills for you and you plan to pay these people back Social Security does not deduct these loans from your back pay.
Most people expect to pay back their family or friends for help received.
Accurate records should be kept of any loans of money or bills paid by friends or family who have helped you since the claim was filed. Social Security will accept estimates. Both you and the person who helped you needs to write a short statement giving the amounts owed and agreeing to the repayment out of the back pay. If your spouse is working you should keep every pay stub since SSI needs to know the amount received each month and not just for the year. SSI calculations are based on the date the pay check was received.