According to the Social Security Administration, here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Gather the information and documents you need to apply.
- Complete and submit your application, typically online.
- They will review your application and contact you if they need more information.
- They will mail you a decision letter.
- You start receiving your retirement benefits.
Can you go to college if you receive SSI benefits?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has no prohibition restricting a person who is receiving Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits from taking classes, full or part time. However, your case is reviewed by the SSA from time to time to see if your condition has improved, and going to school, college, or a vocational training program full time could reflect on whether you are still totally disabled, especially if you were approved for ...
How to earn additional income without losing SSI benefits?
Work Incentives
- Plan to Achieve Self-Support. Under a Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) program, you can save part of your income or other resources to be used to pay for tuition and ...
- Work Expenses for Blind People. ...
- Subsidized Employment. ...
How poor do I have to be to get SSI?
- Workers comp
- Cash assistance (state, city, county)
- Certain forms of rental assistance (Most common in New York)
- State temporary disability (CA, NY, RI, HI, NJ)
Which states offer supplemental benefits to federal SSI?
- California (individuals: $954.72/month; couples: $1,598.14/month)
- Delaware (individuals: $794/month; couples: $1,191/month)
- Hawaii (individuals: $794/month; couples: $1,191/month)
- Iowa (individuals: $794/month; couples: $1,191/month)
- Michigan (individuals: $794/month; couples: $1,191/month)
- Montana (individuals: $794/month; couples: $1,191/month)
Is it hard to get SSI?
According to government statistics for applications filed in 2018, many people receive technical denials: 45% for SSDI applicants and 18% for SSI. In that same year, approval rates at the application level based on medical eligibility alone were 41% for SSDI and 37% for SSI.
How do I start receiving SSI?
You can apply for SSI benefits by: Calling us at 1-800-772-1213 (or TTY 1-800-325-0778 if you are deaf or hard of hearing) and making an appointment to apply for SSI. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, we also will take your telecommunications relay services (TRS) assisted calls at 1-800-772-1213.
How long does it take to start receiving SSI benefits?
about 3 to 5 monthsGenerally, it takes about 3 to 5 months to get a decision. However, the exact time depends on how long it takes to get your medical records and any other evidence needed to make a decision. * How does Social Security make the decision? We send your application to a state agency that makes disability decisions.
How much will I receive in SSI benefits?
SSI benefits increased in 2022 because there was an increase in the Consumer Price Index from the third quarter of 2020 to the third quarter of 2021. Effective January 1, 2022 the Federal benefit rate is $841 for an individual and $1,261 for a couple.
Who qualifies for SSI?
To get SSI, you must meet one of these requirements: • Be age 65 or older. Be totally or partially blind. Have a medical condition that keeps you from working and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. There are different rules for children.
What is the difference between Social Security and SSI?
Social Security benefits may be paid to you and certain members of your family if you are “insured” meaning you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. Unlike Social Security benefits, SSI benefits are not based on your prior work or a family member's prior work.
What is the most approved disability?
1. Arthritis. Arthritis and other musculoskeletal disabilities are the most commonly approved conditions for disability benefits. If you are unable to walk due to arthritis, or unable to perform dexterous movements like typing or writing, you will qualify.
What happens at SSI interview?
For telephone and in-person interviews, we send a letter telling you that we will call you on a certain date and time, or ask you to come into the local Social Security office for a redetermination. Our staff will fill out the forms during the interview based on information you give them.
How far does SSI back pay go?
Retroactive benefits might go back to the date you first suffered a disability—or up to a year before the day you applied for benefits. For SSI, back pay goes back to the date of your original application for benefits.
Is SSI the same as disability?
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to adults and children with disabilities who have limited income and resources. While these two programs are different, the medical requirements are the same.
How does SSI work?
SSI is a Federal program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes). It provides monthly payments to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. The base monthly federal amount varies depending on your living arrangement and countable income. Not everyone gets the same amount.
Which state pays the most for SSI?
States That Pay out the Most in SSI BenefitsNew Jersey: $1,689 per month.Connecticut: $1,685 per month.Delaware: $1,659 per month.New Hampshire: $1,644 per month.Maryland: $1,624 per month.
You Can Apply For SSI Benefits by
Visiting our Apply Online for Disability Benefits page to start the disability application process online. You may be eligible to apply for SSI thr...
You Have The Right to Receive Help from Social Security
We will complete the application forms for you based on information you give to us.We will help you get documents you need to show that you meet th...
You Have The Right to A Representative
You may appoint someone as your representative to help you with your SSI claim and go with you to your appointment(s) with us.
You Have The Right to A Notice
We will notify you in writing of any decision about your SSI eligibility or change in benefit amount. We will also send copies of all notices to yo...
You Have The Right to Examine Your File
You or your appointed representative may request and examine or get a copy of the information in your case file. Also, you or your representative m...
You Have The Right to Appeal
You may appeal most determinations we make about your eligibility for SSI or changes we make in your benefit amount.
How long can I get SSI?
You may receive SSI for a maximum of 7 years from the date DHS granted you qualified alien status in one of the following categories, and the status was granted within seven years of filing for SSI: Refugee admitted to the United States (U.S.) under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA);
What is considered income for SSI?
Income, for the purposes of SSI includes: money you earn from work; money you receive from other sources, such as Social Security benefits, workers compensation, unemployment benefits, the Department of Veterans Affairs, friends or relatives; and. free food or shelter.
Why does my SSI stop?
For example, your SSI will stop if you lose your status as a qualified alien because there is an active warrant for your deportation or removal from the U.S. If you are a qualified alien but you no longer meet one of the conditions that allow SSI eligibility for qualified aliens, then your SSI benefits will stop.
What is disabled person?
And, who: has limited income; has limited resources; is a U.S. citizen or national, or in one of certain categories of aliens; In general, an alien who is subject to an active warrant for deportation or removal does not meet the citizenship/alien requirement. is a resident of one of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, ...
What is CAL disability?
Compassionate Allowances (CAL) are a way to quickly identify diseases and other medical conditions that, by definition, meet Social Security’s standards for disability benefits. These conditions primarily include certain cancers, adult brain disorders, and a number of rare disorders that affect children.
What age can you be considered disabled?
If you are age 18 or older we may consider you “disabled” if you have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment (including an emotional or learning problem) which:
When can I apply for SSI?
In most instances, you can apply for SSI benefits and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits several months before you expect to be released from prison or jail. See the SSI spotlight on the Prerelease Procedure.
Who is eligible for SSI?
The SSI program provides monthly payments to adults and children who have low income and resources, and who are blind or disabled. The SSI program also provides monthly payments to people age 65 and older who have low income and resources.
What is the purpose of the Understanding SSI booklet?
The Understanding SSI booklet provides comprehensive general information about SSI eligibility requirements and processes. Written especially for SSI advocates, but also useful for the general public, it addresses a broad range of topics, from applying for benefits to reporting events that may change the payment of benefits. Please check out its "Table of Contents" for a list of these topics.
When will Social Security recipients receive notices?
From December 2020 through June 2022, we are sending notices to certain people who already receive Social Security benefits to let them know they may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. If people who receive the notice have an E-mail address registered with us, they may also receive an E-mail.
What languages are SSI pamphlets available in?
Some of these publications are in different formats. Some are also available in both English and Spanish languages.
Ways to Apply
You can complete an application for Retirement, Spouse's, Medicare or Disability Benefits online.
Retirement or Spouse's Benefits
You can apply online for Retirement or spouse's benefits or continue an application you already started.
Disability Benefits
You can apply online for disability benefits or continue an application you already started.
Appeal a Disability Decision
If your application for disability benefits was denied recently for medical reasons, you can request an appeal online or continue working on an appeal you already started.
Medicare Benefits
You can apply online for Medicare or continue an application you already started.
Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs
You can apply online for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits
If you want to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), please read:
How do I apply for SSI?
You can apply for SSI benefits by: Visiting our Apply Online for Disability Benefits website to start the disability application process online. You may be eligible to apply for SSI through the online disability application. Calling us at 1-800-772-1213 (or TTY 1-800-325-0778 if you are deaf or hard of hearing) and making an appointment ...
When does SSI end for disabled youth?
If you are a disabled youth in foster care, eligibility for foster care payments in most States ends when you attain age 18. You may need the income support and health services that result from SSI eligibility to ease the transition to independent living.
What happens if I don't keep my SSI appointment?
The letter will say that if you file an application within 60 days from the date of the letter, we will use the date of your original contact with us as your SSI application date.
Do you have to provide information to get SSI?
You will have to provide information and work with us to get documents concerning SSI eligibility.
Do you have to go to the medical exam to get SSI?
If you are applying because you have a disability or are blind and we decide that the medical information needed to make a determination is not available from existing sources, we will pay for you to have a medical exam or test and make the appointment for you. If you need a medical exam or test, you must go to the exam or test before we can determine whether you are eligible to receive SSI. In some circumstances we may also pay your travel costs to get to this exam or test.
Can you appeal SSI?
You may appeal most determinations we make about your eligibility for SSI or changes we make in your benefit amount.
Can I apply for SSI if I leave a public school?
If you are in a public institution but you will be leaving within a few months, you may not be eligible for SSI until you leave. You may, however, be able to apply before you leave so that SSI benefits can begin quickly after you leave. Check with the institution and contact us about filing an application under the "prerelease procedure."
What is SSI for disabled people?
We are with those who need a helping hand. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides support to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources, as well as people age 65 and older who are not disabled but have limited income and resources.
Why do we pay disability benefits to people who can't work?
We pay disability benefits to those who can’t work because they have a medical condition that’s expected to last at least one year or result in death. Find out how Social Security can help you and how you can manage your benefits. LEARN MORE.
What is the age limit for Medicare?
Medicare. Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people 65 or older. Certain people younger than age 65 can qualify for Medicare too, including those with disabilities and those who have permanent kidney failure. Social Security works with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to ensure the public receives ...
When do you get your Social Security check?
If you are due benefits for the month of December, you will receive your first check in January for December.
How long do you have to withdraw Social Security?
Sometimes, life changes occur after you submit your application. You have up to 12 months to withdraw your application, if you change your mind. You will be required to repay any benefits you’ve already received. Learn more about Withdrawing Your Social Security Retirement Application.
How old do you have to be to get unemployment?
You must be at least age 62 for the entire month to be eligible to receive benefits. If you were born on the first or second day of the month, you meet this requirement in the month of your 62nd birthday. If you were born on any other day of the month, you do not meet this requirement until the following month.
What are countable resources for SSI?
Broadly, countable resources include cash and financial assets that can be turned into cash, such as stocks, bonds or property. They do not include the home you live in, a vehicle you rely on for transportation, or household goods, among other things. To qualify, your countable resources should not exceed $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple.
How much income can I get with SSI in 2021?
The SSI standard for limited income, in 2021, is income of up to $794 a month for an individual or $1,191 a month for a couple. (These are also the maximum monthly payments from federal funds for SSI recipients;
What is the maximum income for SSI in 2021?
The SSI standard for limited income, in 2021, is income of up to $794 a month for an individual or $1,191 a month for a couple. (These are also the maximum monthly payments from federal funds for SSI recipients; most states offer supplemental payments.)
Does Puerto Rico have SSI?
States that provide additional payments may have their own rules regarding income and eligibility. SSI is not available to residents of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa and Guam. Residents of the Northern Mariana Islands can receive SSI, but the territory does not supplement federal payments.
What is the eligibility for SSI?
To be eligible for SSI benefits, a child must be either blind or disabled.
When can a child get SSI?
A child may be eligible for SSI disability benefits until attainment of age 18 (see definition of disability for children ). When the child attains age 18, we evaluate impairments based on the definition of disability for adults (see definition of disability for adults ). A child with a visual impairment may be eligible for SSI benefits based on ...
What does it mean if your gross monthly income is below the dollar amount?
Gross monthly income BELOW the dollar amounts shown means a disabled child may be eligible for SSI benefits.
What age can a child not receive SSI?
If a child is under age 18 , not married, and lives at home with parent (s) who do not receive SSI benefits, we may consider a portion of the parents' income and resources as if they were available to the child.
How long do you have to pay child support benefits?
When an eligible child under age 18, who has a representative payee, is eligible for certain large past–due payments covering more than 6 months of benefits, these payments must be paid directly into a separate account in a financial institution.
Can a child be eligible for Medicaid?
the child is eligible for Medicaid under a State home care plan; and
Can a parent receive SSI?
The Deeming Eligibility Chart for Children below gives the highest amount of gross monthly income for this year (before taxes are withheld) that a parent (s) can earn or receive and still have a child qualify for SSI. Note that we do not count some types of income that a parent may receive; for example, money received for providing foster care to an ineligible child.
