For over 50 years, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program has been providing cash assistance to vulnerable Americans to help them meet their basic needs. If you think you or someone you know may qualify for SSI benefits, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the eligibility criteria and the application process.
The process of applying for federal assistance programs can be complex and overwhelming if you don’t have a complete understanding of the requirements and procedures. Many applicants find it helpful to work with a qualified disability attorney while navigating the application process.
We will guide you through everything you need to know to determine if SSI benefits are suitable for you. We’ll provide you with all the necessary steps, resources, and documentation to help increase your chances of having your benefits claim approved.
What Is SSI?
The Supplemental Security Income program is a federal assistance program that provides monthly cash benefits to low-income individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled. The program helps these individuals meet basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter.
Although the program is administered by the Social Security Administration, SSI benefits are funded entirely by federal tax revenues and are not related to Social Security taxes. Eligibility requirements and payment standards are standardized across the country, although some states may provide additional payments.
The SSI program was launched in 1972 and began paying benefits in January 1974, replacing the federal-state adult assistance programs in all 50 states. Initially designed for aged Americans, the program has since expanded to include children and disabled adults. Each year, the payment amounts are reviewed and adjusted for the cost of living increase. Currently, more than 6 million individuals receive monthly benefits through the SSI program.
What Is the Difference Between SSI and SSDI?
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program and the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program are both administered by the Social Security Administration. Although there are similarities between the two, there are also important differences. Both programs pay benefits every month, and both require medical documentation of disabilities. However, SSI eligibility is determined by income level, while SSDI eligibility is determined by an applicant’s work history.
SSDI is designed to help American workers who become disabled before the age of 65 receive their Social Security benefits early. To qualify for SSDI, an applicant must have a certain number of work credits based on taxable employment, and qualifying medical conditions. Income is not a factor in determining eligibility.
The SSI program, on the other hand, is intended to provide financial assistance to vulnerable Americans who have low incomes and disabilities, or are over age 65. The SSA does not consider work history when determining SSI eligibility.
In most states, those who are eligible for SSI benefits are also eligible for Medicaid benefits and state-level food assistance programs. An application for SSI benefits may also serve as an application for other benefit programs in the state. Meanwhile, those who are eligible for SSDI benefits will qualify for benefits under the federal Medicare program after receiving continuous SSDI benefits for two years.
Another significant difference between the SSI and SSDI programs is their funding sources. SSI benefits are funded by general federal tax revenues, such as personal income taxes, corporate taxes, and other sources, while SSDI benefits are funded through Social Security taxes collected under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) or the Self-Employment Contributions Act (SECA).
In rare cases, an individual may qualify for both SSDI and SSI benefits. However, to receive both types of benefits, the applicant must meet the SSA’s strict definition of “disabled” and must have income and resources that fall below the SSI qualification levels, even after receiving a monthly disability payment from SSDI.
Eligibility Requirements for SSI Benefits
To be eligible for SSI cash benefits, certain requirements must be met, including being blind, aged, or disabled, and demonstrating limited income and resources as defined by the SSA. Additionally, applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or qualified non-citizens who satisfy the Social Security Administration’s requirements and reside in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands.
For non-citizens, they must prove that they are “qualified aliens” according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The following categories qualify for this status:
- Anyone Lawfully Admitted for Permanent Residence (LAPR), as defined in PL 100-202, with a designated admission class of AM-1-AM-8
- Anyone granted conditional entry into the United States under Section 203(a)(7) of the INA
- Anyone granted asylum under Section 208 of the INA
- Anyone paroled into the United States under Section 212(d)(5) of the INA for at least a year
- Anyone whose deportation is being withheld under Section 243(h) of INA, or whose removal is being withheld under Section 241(b)(3) under the INA
- Any refugee granted entry into the United States under Section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act
- A Cuban or Haitian entrant under Section 501(d) of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980, or who is classified according to a status that must be treated as a Cuban or Haitian entrance for SSI consideration
If you fall under any of the qualified alien categories listed by the Department of Homeland Security or have been named a “deemed qualified alien” due to experiencing extreme cruelty or battery, you may be eligible for SSI payment. In addition, you must provide documentation of limited income and resources and show that you are aged, blind, or disabled.
Additionally, one of the following specific conditions must be met:
- You were currently serving on active duty in the U.S. armed forces, or you are an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. armed forces. This condition may also apply if you are the spouse, widow(er), or dependent child of some U.S. military personnel.
- You were lawfully residing in the U.S. and receiving an SSI cash benefit on August 22, 1996.
- You were lawfully residing in the United States on August 22, 1996, and you are blind or disabled.
- You are Lawfully Admitted for Permanent Residence with 40 qualifying quarters of earnings. Work completed by a spouse or parent also may count toward your 40 quarters of earnings.
In addition to the basic eligibility requirements for SSI, some applicants who are victims of severe human trafficking or classified as Iraqi/Afghan Special Immigrants may also be eligible for benefits.
Regardless of citizenship status, all SSI applicants must show documentation that their current medical condition is expected to last at least 12 months, and their total documented income must fall below the set levels.
The SSA also stipulates a few additional eligibility criteria for all applicants, including:
- You must not be absent from the U.S. for 30 or more consecutive days or a full calendar month.
- You must not be confined to any institution, such as a prison or hospital, at the expense of the U.S. government.
- When applying for SSI, you must also apply for any other cash payments or benefits for which you may be eligible, such as Social Security benefits.
- When applying for SSI benefits, you grant permission for the SSA to access your financial records. Once approved, the SSA will review your medical records every 3-7 years to assess your current medical condition. They will also review your financial records every year to confirm that your countable income remains at an appropriate level to qualify for the program.
SSA Definitions
Understanding the definitions the SSA uses to define eligibility criteria is essential for SSI applicants. For example, “aged” refers to Americans aged 65 or older, while “blindness” is defined by a central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye, or a visual field limitation no greater than 20 degrees.
It’s important to note that some eye conditions may still qualify for SSI payment under the definition of “disability” even if the SSA’s definition of blindness isn’t met.
The SSA also uses different definitions for “disabled” depending on the applicant’s age. For a disabled child, the applicant must be under age 18 and have a severe, medically documented physical or mental health issue that has lasted or is expected to last at least one year.
To be considered a disabled adult, the applicant must be 18 years or older and show a medically documented physical or mental health condition that prevents them from securing gainful employment for at least a year.
To determine eligibility for SSI benefits, the SSA considers all income and resources available to the applicant. This includes earned wages, government benefits, and free food or shelter provided to the applicant. Financial resources such as bank accounts, vehicles, property, and life insurance are also taken into account.
To qualify for SSI benefits, individuals and children must have financial resources of less than $2,000, and couples must have financial resources of less than $3,000.
Certain categories of applicants are not eligible to receive SSI disability benefits:
- Individuals with unsatisfied felony or arrest warrants
- Non-citizens who do not meet the requirements for alien status
- SSI recipients who leave the country for more than 30 consecutive days
Applicants who sell or give away resources for less than their actual value to meet financial requirements for eligibility are also ineligible.
Determining eligibility for SSI benefits can be a complicated process. If you are unsure about your eligibility, the Social Security Administration can provide assistance. Contact the SSA at 800-772-1213 or TTY 800-325-0778 if you are deaf or hard of hearing.
How To Apply for SSI
The Social Security Administration provides several ways to apply for SSI benefits.
Apply Online: Visit the SSA’s Apply Online for Disability Benefits website to start your application online. Depending on your situation, you may be able to complete the entire application process online.
Call the SSA: Contact the SSA by phone at 800-772-1213, or TTY 800-325-0778 if you are deaf or hard of hearing, and schedule an appointment with an SSA representative to file your application. You can also call your local SSA office and schedule an appointment with a local representative.
File an Application in Person: You can visit your local SSA office and file your application in person.
It’s essential to file your application as soon as possible if you believe you qualify for SSI benefits. The SSA doesn’t pay retroactive benefits, so you’ll only be eligible for benefits starting from the date your formal application is filed.
When you apply for SSI benefits, you must keep your appointments with SSA representatives. If you miss your original appointment, you can reschedule it. If you file your application within 60 days of your original appointment, the SSA will allow you to use the original appointment date as the date of filing.
There is no fee for filing an SSI application, and anyone can apply. The SSA can help you complete all the necessary paperwork and provide guidance on obtaining essential documentation to support your application.
If you need assistance navigating the complexities of the SSI application process, you can work with a trusted Social Security attorney or disability advocate. The SSA allows you to designate someone you trust as your representative. They can help with the application process and attend necessary meetings and medical appointments with you.
If your medical documentation is insufficient to support your application, and you are blind or disabled, the SSA might pay for you to undergo appropriate medical testing. In some cases, the SSA may cover your travel expenses associated with getting the necessary tests.
Denied SSI? How To File an Appeal
After you submit your SSI application, it will undergo a review process by SSA representatives. You will receive a written notice outlining the Administration’s decision, called the initial determination.
If your application is denied or you are dissatisfied with the amount of benefits awarded, you have the option to file an appeal.
The SSA appeals process:
- Initial determination
- Reconsideration
- Administrative Law Judge Hearing
- Appeals Council Review
- Federal Court Review
After you receive your initial determination, you will be given 60 days to request an appeal. The process for doing so will be explained in detail in the determination letter you receive. In most cases, you can request an appeal by phone, mail, or online.
Reconsideration
During the reconsideration phase, a new group of reviewers will assess all aspects of your SSI application. This includes a review of any parts of your application that were initially approved, as well as any parts that were denied. It’s important to understand that the reconsideration phase involves a complete re-evaluation of your application, rather than just a review of the specific areas with which you disagreed.
Administrative Law Judge Hearing
After the reconsideration phase, you will receive a second notice of determination outlining the SSA’s decision in your case. You can check the status of your appeal by logging in to your mySocialSecurity account.
If you are still not satisfied with the decision, you may request a hearing before an administrative judge. You must make your hearing request within 60 days of receiving your second notice of determination.
The SSA will provide notice of your hearing date, location, and issues to be decided at least 75 days before your hearing. You can request that your hearing be either virtual or in-person, but the SSA ultimately will set the parameters.
You must attend your hearing. If you have a conflict with your assigned date, contact the SSA to reschedule. In some cases, the SSA may pay your travel costs.
During your hearing, the administrative judge will review evidence related to your application and may call witnesses. Following the hearing, the judge will issue a decision regarding the status of your application.
Appeals Council Review
If you’re not satisfied with the administrative judge’s decision, you or your representative may request an additional review from an Appeals Council. You have 60 days to complete the Request for Review of Hearing Decision/Order form on the SSA website.
The Appeals Council may decide to issue a decision or refer your case to another judge, which could mean a new hearing and decision. Once completed, the Council will notify you of its decision and the reasons behind it.
Federal Court Review
If you’re still unhappy with the overall decision regarding your case, your final appeal is to the federal U.S. District Court for your area. You or your representative can file a civil action in U.S. District Court within 60 days of receiving the notice of Appeals Council action.
Keep in mind that the SSA cannot help you file this action. If you reach this stage in the appeals process, it’s particularly important to work with a trusted and qualified Social Security attorney who can guide you through the process.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
The Supplemental Security Income program is a vital financial safety net for many of our most vulnerable citizens in the United States. If you believe that you may be eligible for SSI benefits, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the eligibility requirements, application process, and your rights as an applicant.
It may be beneficial to work with a knowledgeable Social Security attorney who can guide you through the entire process. A skilled disability lawyer is familiar with the SSI program’s fundamentals and can provide valuable assistance in making informed decisions.