Founded approximately eight years ago, GoFundMe is among the leading crowdfunding options for individuals looking to raise money for themselves or others for everything from life events to challenging circumstances. Other websites, such as Kickstarter, are more popular among those looking to raise funds for a business. GoFundMe is available to individuals and smaller entities who do not necessarily have access to large donors. A fundraiser might be for someone who is undergoing a medical procedure or treatment and cannot afford the cost, to help cover the cost of a birthday party for an underprivileged child, or to contribute to the funeral costs for a sudden and unexpected death. People can turn to family and friends, and even strangers, to raise much-needed funds. This is quite a valiant effort, one often met with tremendous success given the social media platforms available today, including FaceBook, Instagram, YouTube and others.

This article focuses on the effects of crowdfunding on Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), though the same principles might apply to other means-tested benefits.

Means-Tested Government Benefits: A Brief Summary