Use monthly Social Security benefits to help cover nursing home costs
Apply Social Security income directly toward the nursing home bill
Keep a small personal needs allowance if allowed by the facility and state rules
Combine Social Security with other income sources such as pensions or retirement savings
Use Supplemental Security Income if eligible to help with care-related expenses
Check whether Medicaid can cover the remaining nursing home costs after Social Security is applied
Review any Social Security survivor benefits or spousal benefits that may increase available income
Ask the nursing home billing office how Social Security payments should be assigned
Set up direct deposit to ensure benefits are received on time
Contact the Social Security Administration to update your address, representative payee, or payment method if needed