Homelessness and Social Security
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: May 18, 2021
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are lifelines for people experiencing homelessness. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2020 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report notes roughly 580,000 people are currently without a home and the National Alliance to End Homelessness found about 25-30 percent have severe physical and mental disabilities.
People who experience homelessness tend to age faster than people who have access to housing because of the stress of living on the street, poor nutrition, social isolation, and the effects of extreme weather and unsanitary conditions. They also often deal with substance use disorders along with severe health issues—including diabetes, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS.
The mental health disorders often also include cognitive problems that make understanding SSA’s terminology and process difficult to navigate. The standard process for applying for SSI and SSDI doesn’t work well for this population. Internet access proves virtually impossible. The COVID-19 pandemic has only made the struggle to apply for benefits worse.
Homelessness places limitations on a person’s communication with Social Security. Phone communication (including texts) presents difficulties—as does traditional mail. The limited options for contact and communication often lead to benefit application denial for technical reasons—such as not responding to mail and not keeping appointments. When this happens, individuals continue to re-apply as their health deteriorates and anxiety increases.
Third-party providers and organizations can help people experiencing homelessness navigate the SSI/SSDI process for faster benefit payment decisions. They can assist with taking their benefits applications and provide knowledgeable information and support to this underserved community. Third-party groups include:
- Legal Services providers.
- SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR) trained staff.
- Health Care for the Homeless programs.
- Community trained case managers and social workers.
- Protection and Advocacy organizations in each state.
People experiencing homelessness can often start with contacting the Department of Social Services in their state to learn about other service providers who can help. Community behavioral health program providers may also assist homeless individuals to apply for benefits and submit medical information needed for decision-making.
Homelessness doesn’t have to be an ongoing condition for so many of our neighbors. Let’s work together to help those in need and ensure that those who are eligible are approved as early as possible in the process.
SSA’s posting of this blog does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any non-SSA organization or author.
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Tags: People Facing Barriers, SSI, supplemental security income
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Gary L.
Dept. Of Social Services in my state. CA. and particularly in my county, L.A. is a joke. Before could even finish my first sentence when requesting housing assistance, I was given a flat “NO”. End of interview. Homeless now for almost 7yrs, through no fault of my own.
Tess
That’s so sad because I have found each state has its own set of rules depending on who runs the state.. republican or Democratic. West Virginia and Maryland are really good at helping their people. Virginia not so much. Im glad I keep my stuff threw Maryland my medicare because VA will not ( medicare) cover or my doc in Maryland won’t take the va based medicare.. it’s all such a shame for us. I never needed any of this crap until I got sick. It’s amazing how they don’t look out for you and if the government thinks people can live of 750 ssi a month alone they’re nuts
Jean S.
I have experienced the same thing donot ask me how I became homeless and u c me living under a bridge b/c I have no where else to go no phone no nothing b/c it’s hard to exist w/o the basic necessities sometimes I forget my name birthday I been living in the street so long
TOMMY B.
SSI is a joke,it’s only set up for older people to die. I’m retired still work part-time a few hrs. Pre week they said I can make all I wanted to ,they still took my meds are part b..still pay taxes, if we get a little more money on SSI, they find a way to get it back .young people gets everything .I know people on SSI low income can’t get but 10 to15 dollars in food. stamps, young people get hundred. All the apartments, took over by young people, mostly sec.8 program.if you get a apartment you have to put up your hold check to get in .I was in a apartment, my daughter moved out ,a s.wide mobile home. I moved in I live with her a little bit before she moved just to change the light bill in my name I had to pay over 500 dollar that’s slot for older people.they want you to pass so your check can got bask to them less to pay out. That’s the way I look at it in north Carolina.
Bernadette F.
Im 53
Robbie C.
You sure have that shot right ” I have all kind of health issues going on,and now heart problems too, had t I give up a good paying job because it was just to dam hard on my legs and vascular,can still barely see most the time after two eye jmplanrs,implants, yet they expect me you’ve on a measly ass 595 a month,how in the hell cN a person function on that,ill tell you, they want us all to die” and j I bs are a Flippin joke too, all these empowers do in Alaska is screem and yell at you if your older,and work you to the dam bone because there younger kids are afraid to do the work. I am so tired of trying to kill myself just it try to survive.
Jean S.
I am experiencing the same thing I had to go in a shelter been on the housing list in DC since I was in my 40’s for 18 teen years still waiting in 2021 I am 65 now I guess I will get it when I die
Dr. M.
These comments are heartbreaking. I pray for each and everyone of you.
I am on disability and have been homeless. I understand the despair that comes with it because you have so many barriers to getting healthcare, nutrition and staying in contact with loved ones, doctors and government agencies. Also, how do you vote without an address?
I have finally found a room to rent where I feel safe, can get to doctor appointments and receive mail. I was even able to vote. I’ve been living here in my rented room for 1½ years. That’s the longest period of time that I have lived in one place for over 10 years.
My son is on disability and is schizophrenic, has other health issues as well. I haven’t seen or heard from him in over 10 years. I dont know if he is dead or alive.
He was arrested for dine and dash 3 yrs ago. He didnt realize how much money he had on his debut card. Direct Express sucks and really makes it difficult to check your balance. He served 3 months in solitary confinement for his mistake. For being hungry and not having $10 to pay for a meal. He was in solitary to protect him from other prisoners, I was told. Because of the jibberish and giggling with the voices in his head irritated them. So rather than put him in a mental hospital, they thought solitary confinement was the appropriate solution. That made him worse. The last time i saw him, he or whoever occupies his head now, told me Sean was dead. That he died in solitary confinement.
I believe in the BLM movement. I have 2 grandchildren who are biracial and a niece and nephew. The time for ending systemic racism in this country is long, long overdue.
The story of homeless individuals and families and mentally ill people are completely ignored. You dont hear about any rescue plans for these people who need help and justice as much as any American. They come from all races, backgrounds and levels of education. No one is speaking out for mentally ill or homeless people. Are they dying from Covid19? Is there any effort to give them masks, hand sanitizer or get them vaccinated? How many of these people received money from Covid relief programs?
They are the invisible, unwanted and forgotten Americans.
But they are loved sons, daughters, parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters of so many Americans who would help them if they could find them. We can’t do it alone.
God bless each of you fighting to survive and feeling so alone in your struggles. My arms surround you with warmth and love. I will fight for you.
PhD biochemist who has been at the top of my profession and fallen to become homeless, hungry and alone because of illness.
jean.m.skinner
I m in the same boat work for 46 years and became homelessness my health has fell me can’t get ssdi I don’t qualify
Vonda
Hi Jean, thanks for using our blog. We pay disability benefits through two programs: the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program and the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. SSI is a needs-based program that provides cash assistance to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. Also, SSI benefits are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities, who meet the financial limits.
When it comes to qualifying for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Income, or SSDI program, individuals must have worked long enough–and recently enough–under Social Security to qualify for disability benefits. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which you have to earn within the last 10 years before you become disabled.
If you have specific questions about your situation, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
Asha A.
I’m homeless because the social security payments are small breadcrumbs. My bills exceed my income thru SSI/SSDI.
And now I can’t work part time because their rule ” for every dollar you make, HALF they’ll take!” I’m disabled and I can’t be wasting my time and efforts while in pain with medical problems can barely walk and stand for a measley half pay! I’m only allowed to make 4.50 an hour while normal non SSI/SSDI recipients are free to make as much as they need.
SSI program restricts and punishes us for being in the program by taking away any extra incomes, telling us we can’t have anything and if we try to better our situation then they come and take away our benefits and state insurance and push us further into poverty!
I’m a disabled SSI/SSDI recipient who has been homeless since being in this program because my bills exceed my income. Can’t work because I have to live in fear of losing what little benefits I get. There aren’t enough HUD housing available to eligible recipients. 30% of my check towards my rent is insanity because it’s simply too much money when I get beans to begin with, and all the money is already going towards other bills, …. Nothing left over for rent.
All my bills IMPACT MY CREDIT SCORE, SO THOSE ARE PRIORITY. NOT HOUSING. HOUSING DOES NOT AFFECT MY CREDIT SCORE THATS WHY ITS LAST ON PRIORITY LIST. THERES NOTHING WORSE THAN BEING HOMELESS WITH A TARNISHED SCORE FOR LIFE. GOOD CREDIT SCORE GETS YOU GOOD OPPORTUNITIES IN LIFE.
GOOD SCORE AND PAYING BILLS ON TIME IS ALWAYS PRIORITY NUMBER 1. AND IF YOU MESS UP 1 TIME WITH 1 LATE PAYMENT YOUR SCORE IS RUINED FOR THR NEXT 7 YEARS.
IM HOMELESS BUT AT LEAST MY BILLS ARE PAID! ONLY A GOOD SCORE WILL LET ME ADVANCE IN THIS SHITY LIFE. THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS RIGGED! THE NEED FOR GOOD SCORES ARE BS. AND BANKS TREAT PEOPLE LIKE GARBAGE WHOM ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR A LOAN IF YOU DONT SPEND 10 YEARS BUILDING IT AND MAKING ON TIME PAYMENTS.
MY DREAM IS ONE DAY TO USE MY GOOD CREDIT FOR A HOME LOAN AND MORGATGE PAYMENTS SO I DONT HAVE TO FIGHT OVER SMALL HUD HOUSING SPACE WITH NASTY LIVING CONDITIONS AND A SLUMLORD IN A BAD PART OF TOWN.
SSI PAYMENTS DONT MATCH THE COST OF LIVING.
I KNOW I’M NOT THE ONLY PERSON RECIEVING SSI BUT STILL FORCED TO BE HOMELESS BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT DOESN’T GIVE ENOUGH MONEY!!!
Tammybutler
I know exactly how you feel. It’s if your Dissable. That’s exactactly how things or Reciveing Government benefits portrays you.to be, And your not supposed to accept money from no-One even your Family. Yes we need a Huge raise. I been disable 26 years and I have never got a $50 raise much less $200. That would work Great then I might get out of my home
Gregory
I’m homeless and been trying to get disability for 5 years I worked 2 jobs in a 30 years and still I havnt received my 1st STIMULAS check the world we live in is cruel and the don’t care about nothing but being wealthier this country has went to shit
Michael
I can relate. I’ve been fighting for my SSDI for 3.5 years, appeals to get denials and refiling. I became homeless in 2020 directly because SSDI hasn’t approved and I have no income. My credit dropped over 200 points and no chance to recover that credit. Without credit, how do I get housing, IF I do get approved.
The stress and struggle living in my pickup truck has made things so much worse. I had hard enough time leaving apartment when I had, now I cower in a parking lot corner and hope I can get through until next anxiety attack.
Michigan and SSDI has been a joke, I worked from 12 years old and paid into this system, that now refuses to approve me. My attorney doesn’t understand, I have medical documentation history, but it doesn’t matter to those that judge.
Steven T.
Hi Asha A
I am sorry about all the difficulties you are going through also its hard to see our Government ( Biden) president giving illegal aliens hotel rooms and money and letting illegal aliens cross our borders without consequences…! We The People of United States of America we paid 8n to the system and need our benefits to match the cost of living …$ in California or New York city, or anywhere in between…!
Keep on fighting I am …!
Syeve T
Dr. M.
Asha,
I sympathize with your struggles. I know that SSI varies from state to state but I encourage you to contact Social Security about your situation. My understanding from speaking with them is that you can earn a certain amount of money each month without losing any benefits. You need to be very careful not to exceed that amount because in some states you might earn $300 monthly and retain SSI and Medicaid but if you earn $400 during a month where you might get 3 paychecks instead of 2 just because of how the calendar that month is laid out, like there are 3 Fridays instead of 2. My daughter was allowed to earn $300 a month in Kansas to get Medicaid that covered over $2000 a month in medications for treating her bipolar disorder. In Dec 2004, she earned $400. She completely lost her Medicaid for January as a result of earning that extra $100. On January 10, she took her life because she was out of psych meds and didnt want to burden me with paying for them which I was able to do and was happy to do so. Her story is one of mental healthcare injustice.
But you can find out how much you can earn without exceeding the maximum and it’s my understanding that if you went over that maximum, you would only lose at most the amount you went over if anything. Call SS. Get answers. Then work only if you find something that isnt stressful, that is easy for you to get to and improves your life.
Warm thoughts,
Kathy
Jean S.
I am in the same boat had to get a place I cannot afford let my son come stay with me but hes married he has it own responsibilities he tries to help me but his marriage is getting shaky
James P.
It is sad that I worked my whole life from 12 years old paper route till I was injured while working on the job in 2004 and got no help for social security for six years then was giving ssi here is 742.00 a month and I am to live on this eat and colth myself this amount does not get a place to live It mite get a room to rent if I get lucky. When I needed what I paid in for they waited and waited to get me to a place where they did not have to pay me what I should have gotten that should have been the highest pay out. No I got the lowest. I am grateful I got something but the socail security administration is a joke there are people that get more then I do that never paid a penny to socail security that that sink in. Homeless is away of life for me.that is sad.I do not see anyone of those government employees out of money homeless in need of food clothes shelter maybe some of those judges need to be without for awhile then have someone tell them your not that bad off.
Jean S.
I am in the same boat I get my retirement every month 1300. Pay rent
1600. A month I get a little money from my kids but they r married and soon they got to cut it off
Paris J.
I have been homeless for a year and housing HUD Care program outreach program hope program 211 have all done nothing I believe there’s a lot of senior citizen homeless emergency b******* false advertisement I want to know who do I call to get what I need because housing and all other programs online to senior citizens or at least to me I qualify for the programs and yet I can’t get any rental assistance I’ve been under a tree for a year I have lying friends that are in a hotel for a year free they don’t get SSI they don’t have kids they’re not even 65 but they lied and it worked I need rental assistance help and Angel offered me an apartment that I can’t afford but if I had assistance that they say the elderly SSI disabled are supposedly able to get they’re not helping me I want to go to the attorney general the mayor Fox News I even want to call the president and let them know that San Bernardino California county are is liars
Mikel a.
Same way in texas
Leon w.
I’m getting ssi my self,my spouse just passed,and they told me you can’t get her because we weren’t married by man’s law what about god’s law,he knows everyone s situation is different and can’t do,and be like everyone else,now that she’s gone I can’t afford to stay here,I’m paying 645 a month, that s to much for a single person to pay, they should let me 300 a month
Roger
I can relate to a couple of the women on here. Because I got blind sided from my wife with a divorce after 38 years and she got to keep everything and I got to be come homeless and couch surfing. I take to many meds for a shelter to take me in because they don’t want to be responsible for my meds right. And with covid it’s not going to happen since I am a very very high risk of catching it and it being fatal right. I applied for Section 8 and how I took it I’m approved but stuck on a waiting list right. And I have like my 10th case worker that hasn’t helped me at all. All she tells me is unless I’m living on the streets or a shelter and totally homeless I can’t get any help. I say I’m frigging disabled and I’m frigging homeless and there should be frigging help out there for us right. I see with these stimulus packages there’s help for unemployment there’s help for parents and there kids now people with kids are going to be getting money every month from July to December. Where’s the dame help for people on ssi and ssdi and our veterans I see nothing for us we hardly got a fucking raise this year. Well I will tell you this right frigging now we need help just like everyone else and it needs to be on going. Our government should be very ashamed of themselves. And our government should be really really ashamed of themselves for letting the Canada 🇨🇦 government show up our government by giving there citizens 2000 a month until this pandemic is well over with like I said shame on our government for not taking care of us. I have never voted in my life but this year I thought it was very important to vote and I voted for Biden. But after this pandemic I’m never going to vote again because why should i care our own government doesn’t even care for there citizens at all is what I have taken from this pandemic and another thing the American citizens are the ones who suffer when democrats and Republicans are fighting because the price tag is to big what the American people aren’t worth the money right. Well that’s all I have to say about it.
Lamar S.
Iam David and I am going too take my life cause none wants too help me and my Dog out. I have no more hope left. No one wants too give me a job and I get put down so called friends ECT. Church people just turned there backs . I lost everything because of the pandemic. The best way is go out with a bang!!!
Steven T.
Hi Asha A
I am sorry about all the difficulties you are going through also its hard to see our Government ( Biden) president giving illegal aliens hotel rooms and money and letting illegal aliens cross our borders without consequences…! We The People of United States of America we paid 8n to the system and need our benefits to match the cost of living …$ in California or New York city, or anywhere in between…!
Keep on fighting I am …!
Syeve T
Steven T.
Hi Lamar S
I understand don’t give up …! I don’t know what skills you have or what type of joe you like but just try many jobs are union give it a (shot ) but not that kind don’t go out with a bang…!
Thankbyou Steve
Steven R.
Hi David sorry don’t give up…!
CarlaDC
Please do not do this to yourself and know that you are worthy to be alive. Go to your local ER department and tell them you are having suicidal thoughts they will place a 72 hour hold on you and have you see a Social
Worker. Some hospitals have connections to people that can help you connect with folks that offers emergency housing until suitable housing is found. I pray that everything will work out for everyone who is on this blog. Take care and be strong✝️✝️✝️💯💯💯💯💯
Nebiyah7
Please David don’t take your life. I pray that Yahweh will send you the help you need. I know it seems there’s no way out but believe me there is; I’ve been so low an ant couldn’t crawl under me but just when I thought to give up someone showed up with a helping hand. Hold on David this too shall pass. Somehow help is on the way. Just don’t give up.
Kevin C.
Don’t, take that wrong path brother.
I am on the verge of homelessness,
Myself. I think I know what you
Are going through. Do you have any
Family? What about your dog? I’ve
Got one, she’s family ❤️I would not
Leave. look inside yourself, for the
anchor to bind you from drifting
Away from life
Dr. M.
I care. Please don’t take your life.
There is help out there. Check into a mental health hospital. Go to an ER and tell them that you are having suicidal ideations. They will help you get into a mental hospital. While you are in the hospital they will help you find housing and help for when you are released.
Please believe me and do this now. You can find someone who will take care of your dog through a shelter or the ASPCA while you are hospitalized. They can help you get your dog classified as an emotional support animal as well so that he won’t be a barrier for you to get housing. There are shelters that will even give you free food for him.
I’ve been through this. Going to a mental health hospital when I was homeless was the best decision that I have ever made.
You are loved. Your life matters. Please don’t take your life.
Love from me to you.
Terri J.
DAVID! I Just now came across.your .post and four days have passed. Please tell me that you are still with us. I am BEGGING AND PLEADING with you not.to take your own life. You were.placed on this Earth with a purpose. It is not a fair planet and this country of ours is really messed up financially where its priorities are but that is all the more reason to carry on. We need people like you to tell your story, help us all work together to come up with some answers to these issues. It takes.all of our voices to be heard. When IT IS TIME for you to pass away, not on your own terms there will be a.glorious laplace for people like us. The Meek Shall Inherite The Earth! Don’t forget that. You have come this far now don’t mess up the plan our higher power has for us. Please let us k ow you are alright. I am thinking of and praying for you my friend.🙏
Leah G.
Did SOCIAL SECURITY FAIL TO SEE THIS PERSONS PLEA FOR HELP?! OR DID HE GET IGNORED LIKE ALL OF US?! IS HE NOW DEAD?! WTF!!!
Sam
Call Binder&Binder. They helped me. They let you know right away if they think you have a case worth fighting for. And they will get you back payed from the first day you applied if they win your case. They charged me 25% of what i was awarded. Which was fine with me. If it weren’t for them i would have nothing. They could of took half if they wanted. If it werent for them i would of been homeless. A lityle some thing is better than nothing. Just pick up the phone. And call them its free. If you don’t than you must not be that bad off..
Lytasha L.
I have 5 kids 10 and under my landlord put court papers on my door say i was post to be seen in court nut it was after court date sheriff came and gave me a eviction notes but did not out me out me and my family went out on that day when it says to be out and comeback to changed lock what do i do cud not get in
CarlaDC
Wow! I thought that the landlords could not put families out during the pandemic. I seen a recent situation and the person called the police and They where able to stay in the place, but they are illegally staying in this place because the rennet moved out and they lived in and refuses to
Leave and I don’t see why they got to stay in a place they do not have a legal lease agreement and here I see that you and you children were put out in the streets. This incident happened in Los Angeles. I am so sorry and I pray that things will turn out for the best for you and you children m. Stay strong!✝️✝️✝️🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Steven R.
The system is tainted and have people that shuffle paper work with out even reading it just denied again …!