Guest Bloggers, People Facing Barriers, SSI

SSI Helps Our Most Vulnerable

May 13, 2021 • By

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Last Updated: May 13, 2021

Kate LangThe COVID-19 pandemic has forced Social Security to limit in-person appointments to critical situations only. This led to a sharp decrease in the number of people applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. SSI provides monthly payments to people with low income and few resources who can no longer work due to age or disability.

Many of these individuals—especially older adults and those with limited English proficiency—rely on in-person meetings to get the help they need. Social Security stands ready to assist these groups with online and telephone services. Older adults wanting to apply for SSI payments must call the national 800 number (800-772-1213).  Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can call TTY 800-325-0778. Anyone can contact a local Social Security office to request an appointment. Social Security also provides free interpreter services in more than 150 languages.

At the end of 2020, Social Security began an outreach program for people currently receiving Social Security benefits who could potentially be eligible for additional payments through SSI. These individuals receive letters from Social Security to notify them of their potential eligibility. The letter provides a phone number people can call for possible SSI eligibility screening.

Social Security has also recently released on its web page additional Information for People Helping Others to apply for SSI or disability benefits. With these resources, more representatives from non-profits, health care organizations, and state and local governments can work with Social Security to serve those in need during these unprecedented times.

Social Security’s posting of this blog does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any non-Social Security organization or author.

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  2. Alexandre

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  3. Zongning

    I am a legal resident, 68 years old, and my fifth year of employment. I had a prostate cancer resection operation in March of this year, and I am currently unable to work. Can I apply for SSI welfare subsidy?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Zongning. We are sorry to hear about your condition. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is a needs-based program that pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. SSI benefits also are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities, who meet the financial limits. For more information and how to apply, visit here. We hope this helps.

  4. Nicholas S.

    I have SSDI. If I apply for SSI, How will SSDO offset SSI payment(s)? Is SSDI counted as income for SSI purposes?

    For example, IF a person(s) SSDI payment each month was $997 per month, which exceeds the maximum SSI amount, would that make the person ineligible for SSI?

    If I did have to apply for SSI, I do have the paper application form that I can complete and mail to my local office.

    Thank you!

    • Nicholas S.

      SSDI Offset*

      Correction

    • helper

      Yes, SSDI is considered unearned income for the purposes of SSI. Someone with $997 in unearned income would not be eligible for SSI

    • Vonda

      Hi Nicholas, 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. Generally, the more countable income you have, the less your SSI benefit will be. If your countable income is over the allowable limit, you cannot receive SSI benefits. Social Security Disability benefits (SSDI) are considered unearned income. 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.

  5. david

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  6. Denise J.

    Whatever happened to SSI, SSDI, etc…money for the covid. Prices are steady going up and other people are getting help and we’re not. What happened to Biden giving us extra help. We have to live as well.

    • Carol J.

      Awesome! TY for saying something on my behalf.

  7. Katrina

    I been wrongfully evicted w false documents due to retaliation and got all of my proof of the false documents and retaliation true of words and I win in the first court hearing and should of won the second court hearing but apparently according to that same judge she couldn’t hear me out because my response was blank but yet the legal Aid attorney lady said “it’s not blank because I filled it out myself.” I didn’t know that I knew she helped me with all the court paperwork but didn’t know in how that was mandatory but either way my response wasn’t blank. How that second court hearing was over with nothing more we can do. Before sheriff came to do the lock out there was 4 individual dingoes with the virus and from my understanding when people in a home or building got the virus that it affects everyone and also that was during the shutdown too March 7,2020 was the day sheriff came to lock me out than right after we left that building they finally posted notes up about 4 individuals having COVID 19 those notes didn’t get posted up till after I left and Sheriff wasn’t told about that neither. I am also on SSI and I hear about disability protection against management like that but I couldn’t find any help in that area and no one will take a tenants/owner case. That is also federal government building and I never be late on my rent or behind for 3yrs. Manager protected by civil law that civil law should change to where it’s an wrongful eviction than landlords/owners should not be protected by that civil law as long as tenants got proof of that though. That manager done a lot of tenants dirty and his employees that he fired or let go. He should not be able to get away with how they treat tenants period. I have never known of any management do how that manager done and continue to treat tenants how he dose. My story of it all is too long to type here.

    • Katrina

      Now no one will rent to us because of that eviction on our records cause of that manager who also is a Pastor. That building is not safe anyways. Most messed up of it all is being treated as if we didn’t pay our rent as if we wasn’t responsible being treated like that by a person that can be a witness to it all.

  8. Mary N.

    I have 4th stage chronic kidney disease. Would I be able to apply for
    Supplemental benefits if I had to go on dialysis or get a transplant?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Mary. We are sorry to hear about your condition. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is a needs-based program that pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. SSI benefits also are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities, who meet the financial limits. For more information and how to apply, visit here. We hope this helps.

  9. Jessie

    Get back in your offices so the people can get the help they need and attorney’s offices can actually speak with someone there who knows what is going on…you people have been on leave/wah status for over a year. It is time to go back to work.

  10. DeAnna N.

    SOAR programs are essential to assisting homeless and at risk person’s with the complicated SSI process which replied almost entirely on the MAIL to provide services to the homeless!

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