What Is SSI?
SSI is short for Supplemental Security Income. It is designed to help aged, blind,
and disabled people, who have little or no income; it provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing,
and shelter.
Who is eligible for SSI?
People who age 65 or older, blind or have other disabilities. Children who have
disabilities or are blind as well as an adult may be eligible for SSI. The age of a person who is blind or has other disabilities
makes no difference.
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.
How to apply for SSI
Visit or call your local Social Security office and make an appointment to meet with a
Social Security representative. You, your parent, advocate, guardian, children or any other interested person can apply for
SSI on your behalf. The Social Security Administration can also help you apply.
Are You Eligible?
This link will take you to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool. By taking 5 to 10 minutes to answer a few questions, you
can find out if you are eligible for SSI or other benefits.
Things you should know
- You should apply for SSI even if you do not have all of the information necessary. The Social Security
Administration can help you get whatever is needed.
- Your local Social Security office can help you apply for SSI if you think you might have trouble completing
the application yourself.
- If the Social Security Administration denies your application for SSI, you
can appeal the decision.
What You Will Need To Apply
You should have the following things before you apply. Even if you don't have them all, sign up anyway.
The people in the Social Security office can help you get what you need. Make sure you put your name and Social
Security number on all written correspondence sent to the SSA.
SSA needs to see the original documents.
Photocopies are not acceptable. They will return the original documents to you. Keep a copy of all the documents
you provide and of the date you sent them to the SSA, as well as the name of the SSA employee with whom you spoke.
Please bring:
- Your Social Security card or a record of your Social Security number;
- Your birth certificate or other proof of your age;
- Bank statement(s) for all checking and savings accounts
- Information about the home where you live, such as your mortgage or your lease and landlord's name;
- Deed or tax appraisal Statement for all property you own besides the house you live in
- Payroll slips, bank books, insurance policies, burial fund records, and other information about your
income and the things you own;
- If you're signing up for disability, the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of doctors, hospitals,
and clinics that have seen you; and
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status.
- Certificates of deposit, stocks, or bonds
- Insurance policies
- Car titles or registrations
- Bring your checkbook or other papers that show your account number at a bank, credit union or other
financial institution, so you can have your benefits deposited directly into your account.
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What Happens When I Apply?
When you file an SSI claim at your local Social Security office, SSA will first decide whether you
meet the income and resource criteria and other technical requirements. If you do, they will ask you
- about the dates, places, and types of work you have done in the past 15 years.
for information about your physical or mental impairment(s).
- for the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of doctors, hospitals and any other medical sources
you have seen.
for the dates of treatment and the kinds of treatment you have received from your doctors, hospitals
and other medical sources. It's very important to give them complete information.
As part of the disability decision, the SSA personnel also look at any work you are doing. Generally,
if you are working and earning more than $780 per month (January 2002), you will not be found disabled. This does not apply
if you are blind.
Back Benefits
You may receive back benefits from the date you became disabled, but they're
limited to one year before the date you filed for benefits.
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 that 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.
If you're in a public or private institution and Medicaid is paying more than half the
cost of your care, you may get a small SSI benefit.
Additional Information on SSI:
Sources
Social Security Administration
Toll-Free Number: 1-800-772-1213
TTY Number: 1-800-325-0778
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