Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program designed to supplement income for those who apply for ssi and qualify. It is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income. Benefits include cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. The amount of SSI a person can receive from the federal government is the same nationwide. Some states do supplement the amount given by the federal government.

Who qualifies for SSI?

To qualify for SSI you must first fill out an SSI application and be:

• Blind
• Age 65 or older
• Disabled
• A child that is blind or disabled
• Have few resources and no income

What is Income?

Income for SSI purposes includes wages, social security disability benefits, pensions, food, and shelter. Social Security does not count all of your income when deciding whether you qualify for SSI. For example, they do not count:

• The first $20 a month of most income you receive
• The first $65 a month you earn from working and half the amount over $65
• Food stamps
• Shelter you get from private nonprofit organizations
• Most home energy assistance

If you are, married part of your spouse’s income and resources are included when deciding whether you qualify for SSI. If you are younger than age 18, Social Security includes part of your parents’ income and resources.

What are Resources?

Resources are things that you own. They include real estate, bank accounts, cash, stocks, and bonds. An individual can qualify for SSI if they have no more than $2000 in resources. A married couple can qualify if they have no more than $3000 in resources. Social Security does not count everything you own in deciding whether you have too many resources for SSI eligibility. For example, they do not count:

• The home you live in and the land it is on
• Life insurance policies with a face value of $1,500 or less
• Your car (usually)
• Burial plots for you and members of your immediate family
• Up to $1,500 in burial funds for you and up to $1,500 in burial funds for your spouse

You must also live in the United States or the Northern Mariana Islands and be a U. S. Citizen to get SSI benefits. You can get SSI and SSD benefits. You should apply for both at the same time because the disability requirements are the same. Appeal rights are the same for SSI as they are for any other Social Security program.

Do You Need A Lawyer?

You do have the right to have representation concerning any aspect of social security. Your representative can be an attorney or other qualified person. You may not need a lawyer when filing the initial application but might need an advocate to help you with the application. For Disability, related advocacy the National Disability Rights Network (www.napas.org) can direct you to services that are available in your state. Legal representation is advisable when dealing with the technical nature of disability claims or issues involving eligibility for any Social Security program

Summary

Supplemental Security Income is a federal income supplement program that provides cash assistance to persons who have few resources, no income and are blind, disabled, or aged. Your current income and resources are considered in determining your eligibility for SSI. These issues can be technical. Legal assistance is available and recommended.