Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

SSI is a federal program for people with low income or capital who are 65 or older, or have a disability. The program is paid by the general revenues of the U.S. and, in states which supplement SSI, from state funds.

Who is eligible for SSI?

Only people who are 65 or older, blind or disabled and meet certain financial criteria can receive SSI.  For children with disabilities, eligibility depends on household income.

• You must live in the U.S. or Northern Mariana Islands.
  
• You must be a U.S. citizen or be in the U.S. legally.
  
• If you're eligible for Social Security or other benefits, you must apply for them. (You can get SSI and Social Security checks if you're eligible for both.)
  
• If you're disabled, you must accept vocational rehabilitation services if they're offered.

What financial criteria do I have to meet to receive SSI?

Social Security looks at your income and what you own to determine your eligibility. Income is money you receive for wages, Social Security checks, and pensions; it also includes items you receive such as food, clothing, or shelter. What you own can include real estate, personal belongings, bank accounts, cash, and stocks and bonds.

Where do I have to live to receive SSI?

Your residence plays a role in determining whether you can receive SSI. If you live in a city or county rest home, a halfway house, or other public institution, you may not be able to receive SSI. There are some exceptions:

• 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 check.
• If you live in a publicly operated community residence which serves no more than 16 people, you may receive 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 receive SSI.
• If you're living in a public emergency shelter for the homeless, you may be able to receive SSI checks.
  

How do I apply for SSI?

Visit or call your local Social Security office. Have the following items on hand when you apply:

• your Social Security card;
• your birth certificate;
• information about the home where you live, such as your mortgage or lease and landlord's name;
• and payroll slips, bank books, insurance policies, car registration, burial fund records and other information about your income and the things you own.

Can I receive SSI and still use federal health care programs (Medicare, Medicaid)?

Yes. In fact, most people who get SSI also get Medicaid. Contact your local social services department for more information about this.

SSI Income and Benefits as of January 2006

• SSI Eligibility (PDF format)
• SSI Eligibility (Word format)

Some Internet links to other SSI information sites:

• Social Security Online has some authoritative information on SSI.
• Basic Facts About Social Security There is some good general information here on both SSI and Social Security Disability benefits put together by Allen, Shea and Associates for the Social Security Administration.
• Office of Research, Evaluation and Statistics Home Page The Office of Research, Evaluation and Statistics (ORES) keeps statistics on SSI, SSDI and other government welfare programs.
• New SSI Income and Benefits for January 2006 income limits for families with disabled or blind children in Massachusetts.