Qualifying for Supplemental Security Income with Social Security
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: August 19, 2021
We pay monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to people with disabilities who have low income and few resources, and people who are age 65 or older without disabilities who meet the financial limits.
Income is money you receive, such as wages, Social Security benefits, and pensions. Income also includes things like food and shelter. The amount of income you can receive each month and still get SSI depends partly on where you live.
Resources are things you own, including real estate, bank accounts, cash, stocks, and bonds, which we count in deciding if you qualify for SSI. You may be able to get SSI if your resources are worth $2,000 or less. A couple may be able to get SSI if they have resources worth $3,000 or less. If you own property that you are trying to sell, you may be able to get SSI while trying to sell it.
We will not count economic impact payments, also known as coronavirus stimulus payments or CARES Act payments, as income for SSI. These payments will also not count as resources for 12 months. You can learn more about qualifying for SSI by reading our publication, Supplemental Security Income.
If you’re an adult with a disability intending to file for both SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance, you can apply online for both benefits at the same time if you:
- Are between the ages of 18 and 65.
- Have never been married.
- Are a U.S. citizen residing in one of the 50 states, District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands.
- Haven’t applied for or received SSI benefits in the past.
We’re here for you. You can find more information on our website.
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Tags: SSI, supplemental security income
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Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
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RICHARD F.
Can I receive SSI if I receive SS Disability already?
V.V.
Hi Richard, thanks for using our blog. To get SSI, you must be disabled, blind, or at least 65 years old and have “limited” income and resources. Check out our Understanding SSI web page for details.
Hubert H.
I receive disability benefits and I’m on dialysis would I receive SSI and disability benefits at the same time
V.V.
Hi Hubert, thanks for using our blog. To get SSI, you must be disabled, blind, or at least 65 years old and have “limited” income and resources. Check out our Understanding SSI web page for details.
Lisa P.
I get Social Security Disability, I never received SSI and was wondering why I didn’t qualify for both. I been receiving disability for about 6 years.
Eddie P.
I get disability do i qualify
V.V.
Hi Lisa, thanks for using our blog. To get SSI, you must be disabled, blind, or at least 65 years old and have “limited” income and resources. Check out our Understanding SSI web page for details.
Ann M.
81 years old trying to servive on social security.trump claims that he will stop SS and medicare that will leave me not getting necessary med or to get any health care. I will have to live and die in my car.
Dan
Hello. I collect SSDI and receive very little from EBT ($16/month). I was collecting SSI for a few short months while waiting for SSDI to be approved. Is it possible to receive SSI and SSDI at the same time? Thank you!
V.V.
Hi Dan, thanks for using our blog. Many people who are eligible for Social Security disability (SSDI) may also be entitled to SSI. In fact, the application for SSI is also an application for Social Security benefits.
However, to get SSI, you must be disabled, blind, or at least 65 years old and have “limited” income and resources. Once your SSDI started, your income may have been too high to qualify for SSI any longer. We hope this helps.
Me
Would a 9 year old child with ulcerative colitis be eligible for SSI OR SSI DISABILITY?
V.V.
Hi there. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) gives cash assistance to people with limited income and resources who are age 65 or older, blind or disabled. Children with disabilities can get SSI, too. To find out who qualifies and how to apply, go to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits web page.
Check out our publication Benefits for Children with Disabilities for more information.
Rashean F.
I get SSA ,why didn’t I get a stimulus check?Why can’t I qualify for SSDI since I have lupus. I have had lupus the whole time they put me on SSA?please explain?
V.V.
Hi Rashean, thanks for using our blog. It depends on how old you are. When a person has reached their full retirement age (Currently 66) and is receiving Social Security retirement, they are no longer eligible for disability benefits. If you’re under your full retirement age, you absolutely can apply for disability benefits.
If you have any questions or you want to apply, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 or 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.
Ellen G.
I’m on ssdi my husband just passed away, was wondering if I can get ssi also
V.V.
We are very sorry for your loss, Ellen. If your husband worked long enough under Social Security, there may be benefits payable to survivors. You may be eligible for reduced widows benefits as early as age 60. If you are disabled, you could begin receiving benefits as early as age 50, if the disability started before or within 7 years of your husband’s death. You may be eligible for benefits regardless of your age if you’re caring for the deceased’s child who is under age 16 or disabled and receiving benefits on the deceased’s record. Survivor benefit amounts are based on your husband’s earnings. The more he paid into Social Security, the higher the benefits would be. The benefits will not be established automatically, you will have to contact us to apply. 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.
For additional information, visit our Survivors Planner.
Wyinonna A.
I get social security people are telling me I should get SSI I am 69 born 01/16/1951 and I live in Louisiana I am disable what should I do?
V.V.
Hi Wyinonna, thanks for using our blog. You certainly can call us to inquire about SSI benefits. 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.
Ruth A.
I’m having a hard time understanding why I’m only getting $522 when my paperwork says $785 a month when I told the case manager that I had no income whatsoever and I live in some else’s home. But still managed to take $225 for income that I do not have out plus $21 for food.
I’m totally confused here.
V.V.
Hi Ruth, thanks for using our blog. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. 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.