Disability, SSI

Qualifying for Supplemental Security Income with Social Security

September 17, 2020 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last 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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About the Author

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Comments

  1. Laura C.

    Why do you have to have never been married?

  2. JOHN W.

    Your program has been my only morale staple for years now. And until Trump is history the only real thing I can count on.
    Thanks to alll the SS employees for their hard work and dedication. You may not see it but every day your efforts bring joy and happiness to us old folks out here.
    John Wilson , PhD a 75 year old retiree.

  3. Lorena

    Can a person who’s already been receiving SSDI get SSI benefits ? I have never been married I am not blind I do not owe anything no assests at all . I make $130.00 a month and they say I cannot have food stamps or Medicaid or extra help because I make to much. Please HP me.

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Lorena, 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.

      If you have additional 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.

  4. Denise

    Hi an thank you for ur support in every aspect of ur job in caring about less fortunate.. which is. .just about anyone who as ssn . Hope urs is well . As I lost my father 5720@135pm .. I’m having hard time trying u understand course of human that simply just don’t .. in everything .. ugh .. as im find that I’ve read just about every artical. With finance. Since .. number out here verses number you work daily.. opsite end of one another. … As I’d would be greatful .. if .. I’m 47 an on ssi or ssdi but not receiving payment from one . My income just make it … so I’m just trying to get better site an knowledge. Since I

    an also a friend who can’t read or write. So I help her in these areas best my ability.. an .. correct what other say to her withering info .. as neither of thyes are able to conduct job at rate of other .. so could u be advised to us . So that no hidden figures ? grate thx . Ms dfs an ms jh

  5. Julia L.

    To Whom it may concern:

    My name is Julie Duncan & I am the maternal grandmother to my granddaughter born Kendal Sue Walker, was born March 29, 1996 in Ada Oklahoma & now resides in Okemah, Oklahoma & she has been receiving SSI for at least 10 years. When I asked kendal why she is receiving these benefits she laughed as she told me cuz she doesn’t want to work & her mother Rena Myers lied to the Social Security office when her mother told the Social Security office she had a learning disability & she never learned to add math yet she made straight A’s while going to school & she attended beauty school. I believe she needs to be investigated immediately because she is by no means disabled in any way be it physically, mentally or emotionally & she thinks the tax payers should be supporting her cuz doesn’t want to work & because she is just plain lazy although she is now working under the table at some farm. I’m not sure who is watching her children while she is working at this farm. I will try to get more information & forward it. Thank you & if you need any more questions please let me know. Thank you Julie Duncan

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Julia. Thank you for helping us fight fraud. We take allegations of fraud very seriously. If you suspect fraud, waste or abuse of Social Security benefits, we encourage you to report it here. Thank you!

  6. Johnnie T.

    Let me tell you folks something!! We worked all of our lifes and then we get permanently disabled!!!! And all of you do not want to pay us what we were working for!!! One day you wanna be so called educated fools ha3 no idea what it is like to go with out food or electric or clean running water and hardly any clothes !!! You have no right to say what you are posting !!!! Because your spoiled rich asses have never had to deal with it!!!! So don’t say things you have no ideal what the hell you are talking about until you have bee4 in our shoes!!!!

  7. Savannah E.

    What can you do about a case worker who consistently keeps determining you get no actual dollar benefit for the month even though the wages you are submitting shows you should ?

  8. glenetta w.

    I need to know if can get SSI already on ssdi

  9. Francis W.

    Social security disability benefits are a lie , my wife is paralysed on her right side and was rejected by the state of Pa department of disability determination .

    • Carol

      Get a lawyer. Sometimes it takes several attempts prior to approval.

  10. Troy

    I receive ssdi and I get 1760 a month can I still get SSI. I suffer From Mental Health issues as well as Heart and COPD.

    • tony

      You can get $783/month SSI if you switch your SSDI for SSI. Tell them you want to switch to SSI.

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Troy, 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.

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