When collecting SSI can an individual receive alimony payments and not decrease the SSI income?

Payments of alimony are treated by SSI as unearned income. A very small amount of the payment would be disregarded; after which there would be a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your SSI check. If you want to avoid the impact on SSI, you need to set up a special needs trust to hold this money. These trusts have very specific reporting requirements. You could not, in any way, have any control over the money. Pooled trust accounts special needs trusts managed by non-profits and are intended to manage small accounts. See a local elder law attorney for more guidance.

I cannot tell from the SSI website how it treats alimony payments. It would appear you would be better off, if it does count them, by getting paid monthly. Here's the link: http://www.ssa.gov/ssi/