Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is an abbreviation for Supplemental Security Income. It pays monthly checks to people who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability and who do not own much or have a significant source of income. SSI is not only for adults, monthly checks can go to disabled and blind children also.

People who get SSI usually get food stamps and Medicaid. Medicaid helps pay doctor and hospital bills.

In order to be eligible for SSI, you must be 65 or older, blind or disabled.

Blind means you are either totally blind or have very poor eyesight. Children, as well as adults, can get benefits because of blindness.

Disabled means you have a physical or mental problem that keeps you from working and is expected to last at least a year or to result in death. Children, as well as adults, can get benefits because of disability. When deciding if a child is disabled, Social Security looks at how his or her disability affects everyday life. Sometimes, a person whose sight is not poor enough to qualify for benefits as a blind person may be able to get benefits as a disabled person if his or her condition prevents him or her from working.

How Much Can You Get?

It depends on where you live. The basic SSI amount is the same nationwide. However, many states add money to the basic benefit. You can call the Social Security Administration toll free at 1-800-772-1213 to find out the amounts for your state.

If you get SSI, you also may be able to get other help from your state or county. For example, you may be able to get Medicaid, food stamps, or some other social services. For information about all the services available in your community, call your local social services department or public welfare office.

Food Stamps
People who get SSI usually can get food stamps, too. If everyone in your house is signing up for SSI or getting SSI, the Social Security office will help you fill out the food stamp application. If you don't live in a house where everyone is signing up for SSI or getting SSI, you will have to sign up for food stamps at the local food stamp office. Usually, when you get SSI you can also get Medicaid. Medicaid helps pay your doctor and hospital bills. You can get more information about Medicaid at your local welfare or medical assistance office.

Help For Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries
If you get Medicare and have low income and few resources, your state may pay your Medicare premiums and, in some cases, other Medicare expenses such as deductibles and coinsurance. Only your state can decide if you qualify. To find out if you do, contact your state or local welfare office or Medicaid agency. For more general information about the program, contact Social Security and ask for a copy of the leaflet, Medicare Savings For Qualified Beneficiaries (HCFA Publication No. 02184).

Rules For Getting SSI

Your Income And The Things You Own
Whether you can get SSI also depends on what you own and how much income you have. Income is the money you have coming in, such as wages, Social Security benefits and pensions. Income also includes non-cash items you receive, such as food, clothing or shelter.
If you're married, we also look at the income of your spouse and the things he or she owns. If you're under 18, we may look at the income of your parents and the things they own. And, if you're a sponsored alien, we also may look at the income of your sponsor and what he or she owns.

Income
The amount of income you can have each month and still get SSI depends partly on where you live. You can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to find out the income limits in your state.
Social Security doesn't count all of your income when they decide if you can get SSI. For example, they don't count:

the first $20 of most income received in a month;

the first $65 a month you earn from working and half the amount over $65;

food stamps;

most food, clothing, or shelter you get from private nonprofit organizations; and

most home energy assistance.

If you are a student, some of your wages or scholarships you receive may not count.
If you are disabled but work, Social Security does not count any wages you use to pay for items or services you need to work because of your disability. For example, if you need a wheelchair, the wages you use to pay for the wheelchair don't count as income.
Also, Social Security does not count any wages a blind person uses to pay expenses that are caused by working. For example, if a blind person uses wages to pay for transportation to and from work, the transportation cost isn't counted as income.
If you're disabled or blind, some of the income you use (or save) for training or to buy things you need to work or earn more money may not count.

The Things You Own
The things you own that SSA considers includes items such as real estate, personal belongings, bank accounts, cash, stocks and bonds.
A person may be able to get SSI with items worth up to $2,000. A couple may be able to get SSI with items worth up to $3,000. If you own property or another resource that you are trying to sell, you may be able to get SSI while trying to sell it.
Social Security doesn't count everything you own. For example:

the home you live in and the land it's on do not count.

your personal and household goods and life insurance policies may not count, depending on their value.

your car usually does not count.

burial plots for you and members of your immediate family do not count.

up to $1,500 in burial funds for you and up to $1,500 in burial funds for your spouse may not count.

if you are blind or have a disability, some items may not count if you plan to use them to work or earn extra income.

A Special Note For People Who Are Blind Or Have A Disability
If you work, there are special rules to help you. You may be able to keep getting some money from SSI while you work. But as you earn more money, your SSI may go down or stop. Even if your SSI stops, you may be able to keep your Medicaid coverage.
You also may be able to set aside some of your money for a work goal or to go to school. The people at Social Security can tell you how to do this. The money you set aside doesn't count toward the SSI limits on income and the things you own. That means it won't reduce the amount of your SSI.

Blind or disabled people who apply for SSI may get special services from their state. These services include counseling, job training, and help in finding work.

Other Rules You Must Meet
Before you can get SSI, you also must meet other rules.

You must live in the U.S. or Northern Mariana Islands.

You must be a U.S. citizen or national. (Some noncitizens can qualify for SSI).

If you're eligible for Social Security or other benefits, you must apply for them. (You can get SSI and Social Security if you're eligible for both.)

If you're disabled, you must accept vocational rehabilitation services if they're offered.

If You Live In A Public Or Private Institution
People who live in city or county rest homes, halfway houses, or other public institutions usually cannot get SSI. But there are some exceptions.

If you live in a publicly operated community residence which serves no more than 16 people, you may get SSI.

If you live in a public institution mainly to attend approved educational or job training that will help you get a job, you may get SSI.

If you're living in a public emergency shelter for the homeless, you may be able to get SSI.