Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income or SSI is a government program that provides monthly benefits to the disabled who meet specific income requirements. SSI benefits include a monthly check and medical care. Supplemental Security Income is available to individuals with limited resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 and older. Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB), you do not have to have worked and paid employment taxes in order to get benefits.

Do I qualify for SSI?

To qualify for SSI you must meet specific income requirements set by the Social Security Administration and you must be disabled. The disability requirements for Supplemental Security Income are the same requirement for SSD or Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits. According to the guidelines set forth by the Social Security Administration, an individual is disabled if "a physical or mental impairment results in the inability to do any substantial gainful activity for a continuous period of at least 12 months."

The income requirements for SSI can be difficult to understand. To determine if you meet the income requirements call the Social Security Administration or call to speak with an attorney at our office. The Social Security Administration looks at both your income and resources when determining eligibility for SSI. If you are married, your spouse's income will even be considered. You can collect Supplemental Security Income even if you own your own home or have one car. If you have not worked and not paid into Social Security, you can still apply for Supplemental Security Income.

What information will Social Security need to determine my income requirements for SSI?

The Social Security Administration will ask many questions to determine if you are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To determine your eligibility the Social Security Administration will ask about your income, the things you own, where you live, who pays your bills, and whom you live with. When you apply for Social Security Benefits, you will need to answer questions about your resources. Your resources include cash, bank accounts, land, life insurances, personal property, and vehicles. The home that you live in and the land that it is on do not count as resources for SSI nor does the vehicle that you drive.

Click here for information on how to improve your chances of getting SSI or SSD.