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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Colton
Hello, I sympathize with every individual who is struggling, I was found to be disabled before the age of 22. I come from a family that I was brought into this world that lived below the property level, my whole family are criminals, and drug addicts, very dysfunctional at a early age I was a victim of ALL FROM’S OF ABUSE, on assessment of ACE SCREENING TOOL I score a 10 out of a 10 this puts me in the very high risk. Under the Classification of the DSM5 being Diagnosed by a professional I have been Diagnosed with severe PTSD, and several other disorders and illnesses. I have been in and out of the system and hospitals. Due to My Disabilities and Mental Health Impairments I have a Criminal Background. Being a convicted felon. I have been put under restrictions, and excessive penalties fine’s, fee’s, restriction, probation supervision cost, etc. This puts restrictions on me we’re I can not find housing,. I can’t provide for myself. Disqualified from Government Assistance. Because I am not a Veteran, Married or have any Children. Because I am a Single Male Adult. Not qualifying under the set policies or standard requirements I am faced with living on the streets, continue too have legal problems and harrassment from government agencies and law enforcement agencies.. In and out of the court’s. Or being ticked or fined or pushed out of areas for living in my vehicle for some from of shelter, laws prohibiting people from sleeping in their vehicle. Arrestable offence, and for those who take there Psychiatric Medicine or Medication, or Medical Medicine or Medication can get charged for being under the influence or get a Dui, because of taking there medication or medicine. I was charged with a Dui because of this, even though the vehicle was parked and the keys were on the dashboard. This results in not taking any medication or medicine. There’s a lot more to be said about this. Those who have everything or judge those who try to survive, probably don’t really understand or really comprehend why so many people continue too have issues or contemplate Suicide or just give up because those who say there there to help aren’t. The system is broken, and if it doesn’t benefit them then those who truly need help don’t get it. The forgotten goes forgotten. This is a problem and issue across the whole world and here in the United States Of America.
Ireida O.
Is true what we get we can even afford rent cause the landlordwant 3 times the salary to rent an apt that ridiculus.
Virginia
I see that everywhere. Senior citizens homes want more money than I bring in on SSI
Patricia
I’m 62 and been on ssdi since I was in my 30’s. With my 800.00 a month, I have no family left and living alone in a RV park year round. Now I have more health problems because if the conditions I have to live in. Biden giving up on the seniors in this country. His popularity rides on the future generation’s!! I have a very hard time respecting a man that doesn’t Care and respect his peers. This country is pushing low income seniors to their grave fast. Our dignity doesn’t matter to this country, so why don’t you take your story to our lawmakers in DC? It’s not doing any of us any good being on a small platform on social media!
Alicia l.
I am. 56 yrs old homeless.on ssid. Im 5″1 and weigh about 95 pounds. Getting took advantage of constantly.i believe in the lord and i know he dont dish out anything we cant handle but im so sick of people stealing from me lieing to me just to be treated horrible for no reason its like the people get off seeing someone struggle its just sick and wrong.but it is real. Alot of hateful people dont care .they like seeing someone down.and wont hesitate to kick em while there down .as if its the thing to do i just cant believe it i feel alot of the time whens my turn dear lord i dont want to be here!!!!!for what????!!!!
Cindy
Hang in there my sister. I have been there. Check with you’re state because they can help with emergency housing. My fear is becoming homeless again myself because the housing Authority here in SanAntonio,TX keep going up on the rent on people on social security and disability income that just can afford to 3 of their income for rent which cause people to become homeless. I’m trying my best to get a petition started to send to the HUD of Washington very soon because it’s not right for housing Authority to cause people to become homeless.
Cindy
3 percent of their income and can not afford. Sorry for the typos
Johnny e.
America spends more money on foreign countries issues than to take care of our own ppl. We have veterans living in poverty and homeless. So yes America has to do better, our people are struggling and need help. This is the time to build America up change policy and help America be somewhere ppl enjoy living
Eva C.
Yes I am with you 💯% on that. It’s a true shame that there is so many people that went to fight for our country and they come back wounded and with mental issues such as PTSD and other illness that they can’t function . They might get a small check but not enough to even rent a apartment. This has to change . We as American need to help our country first not sending money to other countries!!!!. Rent is also so high that one can’t afford to pay rent and bills.
Sandy
The law regarding to rent an apartment for people in SSI or SSDI, need to change!! How possible is to get an apartment, when you suppose to double or triple your income if you want to rent it?? Its no fear to seniors and people with disabilities, and its obvious that this kind of law keep people in need living a miserable life. What kind of help is to give a little money and no opportunity to have a roof under their head
Glove
Having without a hone is the most disgraced anyone can do to someone and I doI believe that people thus treats someone like that and people white rich young and old just like you think they are so bad ..be careful what you say to them not always is their fault as the economy grow it demand profits to governments running our city your labor department your housing real estate broker your lawyer your credit collection this are the front line that makes everyone harder for them to catch up from that demand if don’t changes are way to higher wages then don’t try to raise the way of living and that is the problem.
Ivette
I am a homeless disabled, retiree having many mobility problems and cannot afford to pay for an apartment. I can’t even afford to pay my medical co-pays. How and where do I go for help and where do I start?
V.V.
Hi Ivette, thanks for using our blog. Please visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web page for the many programs and services available to you in your state. For information on public housing assistance visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website. We hope this helps!
Halcyon E.
I have been without a place since 2017
I have contacted every organization here and it’s always been the same thing.I found a room where the mold and mildew resulting in more health problems.Place listen to what the people are saying,without judgment.
Joseph C.
I have been homeless off and on for 14 years. I’m not on drugs or have addiction problems. I have a master’s degree. I have been acting in independent movies and stage. There is no way out. Trapped. 80 percent do not care and 20 percent glad it’s me.
Rebecca
I am disabled mentally, I live in Florida the rent is high I am receiving sddi is 908 a month and the is 3times For example if the rent is 800 you have to 2400 for a studio I need your help because I am living with my aunt in law she can kick me out anytime .
Brandon L.
I’m on ssdi and only getting 794 and I can’t get a regular place cause of the cost I still would have to pay electric and gas and other stuff so I can’t afford it I need low income housing I’m disabled I can’t walk up steps so needs to be a one floor apartment’s I’m on waiting list but that could be forever.im staying with my mother and it’s hard to live with family I pay rent trying to save up but I pay my own way .it’s just hard to save and pay for stuff u need every day and buy my own food.is there any way I can help me please I’m desperate right now.i have no vehicle cuz I can’t afford to buy one cuz I don’t get that much so is there any way you can help me please please I’m in so desperate need I have tried everything
Pamela S.
I’ve been married since 16 now 52. My husband has always been abusive mentally and physically but when some one keeps you down on 850.00 a month where do you start ? I want and need help cause I often think of hurting myself
V.V.
Hi Pamela. Please visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web page for the many programs and services available to you in your state. For information on public housing assistance visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website. We hope this helps!
Mandi S.
I worked for years and made good money. I am now a left leg amputee without a hip and numerous other health issues. I am 42 years old. SSDI keeps me under the thumb of poverty. I am not eligible for food assistance nor for state medicaid insurance because I exceed the income limits. Which, is sad because after I pay my bills, which are minimal….I do not have debt, I have $900 or less left each month to raise two boys and pay for sports, school, clothes, food, car, insurance, etc…etc… I am trying to come to grips with this being “it” for me. Thanks to this leg issue (which is beyond my control) I will never be any better off than I am now. My kids will live and grow in poverty. Breaks my heart. No vacations, no decent houses of our own. All because I am disabled.
TJ
My heart breaks for you…I completely understand and am in the same boat…Worked for 19 yrs,made good money… Then an incurable cancer diagnosis changed my whole life. I’ll be 41 this year and am now a divorced mom of 5. Being on the other side of financial security is like living in a whole different world. I am fighting depression daily because I don’t want this to be the end of my story. Never able to get ahead, kids living in poverty, not able to experience some of the finer things in life. It really hurts
V.V.
Hi Mandi, thanks for using our blog. Please visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web page for the many programs and services available in your state. We hope this helps!