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 $3,000 or less. If you own property that you are trying to sell, you may be able to get SSI while trying to sell it.
We will not count economic impact payments, also known as coronavirus stimulus payments or CARES Act payments, as income for SSI. These payments will also not count as resources for 12 months. You can learn more about qualifying for SSI by reading our publication, Supplemental Security Income.
If you’re an adult with a disability intending to file for both SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance, you can apply online for both benefits at the same time if you:
- Are between the ages of 18 and 65.
- Have never been married.
- Are a U.S. citizen residing in one of the 50 states, District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands.
- Haven’t applied for or received SSI benefits in the past.
We’re here for you. You can find more information on our website.
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Tags: SSI, supplemental security income
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Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
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Basudev s.
I am a SS beneficiary get only 745 per month .My spouse is permanent disabled gets only 427 per month. Are we entitled to receive SSI? PL advise me on this matter.
Patricia H.
I am a 64 year old female.I have hiv positive,high cholesterol,I have high blood pressure ,severe depression,I have to have 2 total knee replacement,and then my back second time around my back.I take 10 medications in the am and 5 at night.I am on disability and medicaid qmb and I am still qualified as low income.What is going to happen to me if the President gets his way and I get no more disability?
James D.
Are you really that damn stupid?
Fred R.
YES ,, I WAS DECLARED DISABLED IN 2010 AND GOR SOME REASON ONLY RECIEVED SSI AND MEDICAID! I NEED TO GET BA K INTO COURT, 783$ A MONTH AND TERRIBLE MEDICAID HAS NOW MADE ME TERMINALLY ILL. HELP 0,EASE
Debra P.
How I signup Social security
Donna K.
My daughter, 36, lives w me incapable of working due to loss of her children and 5 yrs in the prison system, I can not afford her, I only make 950.00 soc sec myself, I dont know where to turn, I cant get her to go apply for herself, she is not interested in the paper work or the process, I cant do it for her, what do I do? Desperate, thanks!
veronica l.
how about me I’m abandoned spouse what benifits that I take also I have kid 1 me and my son not enjoy or recieve any benifits from the benifits of u.s army my husband is navy he transfer the army we used me and my son for his own needed please help me and seeking my big problem,and I’m also have sick diabetics.
Latarsha E.
I started receiving SSI April of 1995 I was diagnosed with disturb behavior. Have been going to MHRA facility since I was like 5yrs for hyperactivity. I was molested from the age of 3 till 8yrs. I was gang rape by a group of boys in a vacant Apt at the age 11.I lost my babies in Aug 2005 stay in the hospital for a few days then I was discharge that night . I go home my child father accuse me of hurting my babies and said u will have my children then he threw me on the bed I didn’t have energy to I fight him so he held my hand so tight and he pushed his self inside of me till he finished. I so hurt and felt hopelessly. I was always get suspended or back classes. I always have trouble getting along with people. I lost my ssicheck in 2002. So I been applying for SSI since then and been getting turned down. I am on so many medications for bipolar mixed type with schizophrenia. Mental Illness ruin Thur my family. I can’t keep a job. I deal with anxiety with paranoid. I thinking someone is out to get me . I am checking the closet and everywhere in the house every few min. I am screaming out loud I have a 9th grade education. I never graduate or get my GED. I couldn’t never a test I either fail my test to get CMA twice. . I am a disturb young lady. I did mail my appeal in March to the Appeal council to ask to extend the time limit. My lawyer drop me so right now I don’t have no lawyer. I need help please.
V.V.
Latarsha, we are sorry to hear about your disability. If you would like to follow up on your Appeals Council Review, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or contact your local Social Security office. 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.
Some individuals may be eligible to receive additional assistance from the state where they live; while they wait for a final determination on their disability claim. These services include Medicaid, free meals, housekeeping help, transportation or help with other problems. You can get information about services in your area from your state or local social services office. You can also visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web page for more information. We hope this information is helpful!
Susan
I have been trying to get disability for several years now and they keep telling me that I can work even though the doctors keeps lying to you. I’ve had 2 back surgery’s and one of the surgery my vertabre collapsed it’s fused together in two places and I’m always in pain have to lay down to quit hurting. I’m not able to work have no one to support me income wise I really need help with this
V.V.
Susan, we are sorry to hear about your disability. If you were recently denied, you may file an appeal within 60 days of receiving the decision. You can provide additional evidence when you file the appeal.
If you need help requesting a review, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or contact your local Social Security office. 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.
Some individuals may be eligible to receive additional assistance from the state where they live; while they wait for a final determination on their disability claim. These services include Medicaid, free meals, housekeeping help, transportation or help with other problems. You can get information about services in your area from your state or local social services office. You can also visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web page for more information. We hope this information is helpful!
Sharon L.
I already get as I since 1996. I also get. Little as 87.$ disability. Whay can’t I get more disability?
V.V.
Hi Sharon, thanks for using our blog. Your monthly Social Security disability (SSDI) benefit is based on your average lifetime earnings. Your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) monthly benefit amount is based on factors such as the federal benefit rate, your income and resources.
Of course, your benefits will increase annually if there’s a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The purpose of the COLA is to ensure that the purchasing power of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits is not eroded by inflation. We hope this helps!
Brian R.
I forgot what all my sign-in stuff was logging in I just don’t remember could you help me reset my entire thing for social security please get in touch with me I’d like to be able to use your services I live here in Braga Portugal by myself thanks for the help
Brian
V.V.
Hi Brian, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to retrieve or change your username and password. We hope this helps!
James T.
So I receive SSI was born with disabilities why don’t I receive Medicare like I did growing up and my case says expected to recover but I’ve been disabled since birth how do I change that
V.V.
Hi James, thank you for your question. You are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and B if you’ve been entitled to Social Security disability benefits for 24 months. An information packet will arrive in the mail a few months before you become eligible.
In addition to receiving SSI, you may be eligible for additional assistance from the state where you live. These services include Medicaid, free meals, housekeeping help, transportation or help with other problems. You can get information about services in your area from your state or local social services office. You can also visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web page for more information. We hope this information is helpful!