What You Should Know About the SSI Program
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: March 17, 2021
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides cash assistance to people with limited income and few resources.
But … how much do you really know about this program?
SSI provides monthly payments to people who are age 65 or older, completely or partially blind, or considered disabled under Social Security’s strict definition of disability. Social Security pays benefits to people who aren’t able to work due to a medical condition that’s expected to last at least one year or result in death. Blind or disabled children of parents with limited income and resources can also be eligible for the program.
To qualify for SSI, you’ll need to meet strict income and resources requirements. Income is money you earn, such as wages, disability benefits, and pensions. Income can also include the value of items you get from someone else, like food and shelter. Social Security doesn’t count all of your income, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Different states also have different rules on how much income you can bring in each month and still get SSI.
Resources include the things you own, although we don’t count everything. For instance, we don’t count a house you own and live in, and we usually don’t count your car. We do count income from rental property, bank accounts, cash, stocks, and bonds. Also, to receive SSI, you must meet other program rules about residency and citizenship. You can find more information about income and resources and eligibility requirements on our website.
SSI payments are the same amount nationwide. In 2016, the basic monthly SSI payment is $733 for an individual and $1,100 for a couple. However, the amount you get may be different. It depends on your income and living arrangements. Some states also add money to the basic benefit.
If you think you may be eligible, apply now. You can contact us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to set up an appointment to apply for SSI at your local Social Security office. Please visit our website for more information.
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Tags: Disability, SSI, supplemental security income
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Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
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lavellTyrellSandersJr
I get SSI and the max is $735 but they take $73 out every month because I work and got over paid and I’m only 30
R.F.
One of our highest priorities is to help people with disabilities achieve independence by helping them take advantage of employment opportunities. Work incentive employment supports disabled and blind SSI beneficiaries go to work by minimizing the risk of losing their SSI or Medicaid benefits. Some incentives allow us to not count some of your income or resources. We DO NOT count the first $65 of earned income plus one–half of the amount over $65. Therefore, we reduce your SSI benefit only $1 for every $2 you earn over $65. Click here to see examples of the “Earned Income Exclusion”. Thanks!
Doug M.
I am 65 yrs old. I am rated at 40% disabled thru the VA. I have not been able to find a job in over 7 1/2 yrs. I have a bad back (lower) and a ruptured disc at C6-7 with C5-6 deteriorating. I make $1331/mo from military retirement. Would I qualify?
R.F.
Hi Doug. First of all, we want to thank you for your service to our country. Please keep in mind that the Social Security Act sets out a very strict definition of disability, much different than the requirements for other government programs including veterans benefits. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability. Disability benefits are paid to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. At age 65 you may be eligible to apply for Retirement Benefits. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks.
Connie P.
I currently receive 734.00 monthly on the 3rd and 20.00 on the 1st of the month.i get food stamps thats it I have three kids and they get no benefits. My rent is 350.00 monthly. My light bill been running high I paid 446.00 this month for last month I am living off that me and my kids is living in poverty. What can I do? They didn’t qualify for any benefits money wise or do I get help for my lights.
AlisiA
Goto your local human services office and they have programs that pay directly to the electric company if you do all the paperwork when they ask because there are limited funds you can qualify to get two large payments a year
Derrick L.
I have been denied. It has been a devistating experience so far. I learned funding is an issue. I had an idea that has potential but all i get is a smile & a nodd. I believe there is a funding solution. I also believe the application & hearing processes should be more civil. The DMV has better customer service.
Gina
Hi Derrick, I hope you will follow through with the appeal process. After putting in 27 years of work, I was a passenger in a car accident that rendered me too disabled to work in my field any longer; so I applied for SS. It took a year – 1/2 to get a denial letter. Lucky for me, I had a case manager who actually told me EVERYONE gets denied the first 2 times, and if you follow through with the appeals you will eventually get approved [if all your medical documents check out]. I know what you’re thinking; it seems like the system is set up for us to fail. I felt like that too; so now my time is spent volunteering with like-minded people to continue protecting and preserving our benefits. The government should NEVER be able to tell me they have the choice of gutting what I paid my tax dollars to afford myself for 27+ years.
It’s harsh to think about; but please don’t give up. Go through the appeal process. Good luck to you !
Christina P.
I am currently on SSD and should receive about 1500 a month but due to garnishments I receive only 268 a month for the next four years. I have to live in a unfinished basement as it’s only 200 a month and all I can afford. I’m really sick but cannot afford to see a doctor or have even one prescription filled. My request for assistance was denied because I should receive almost 1500(in fact i receive 268). What can I do?
Thoams C.
The increase of 0.3 % = a $4.00 increase here in Ohio. When in Ohio the inflation rate rose 0.8 %. So how is the government able to continue scamming the people by using C.O.L.A. when in most cases inflation rate is higher ?
Kathy
You can’t imagine my disappointment when I learned it was 0.3 and not 3.0 percent. That turned out to be nothing compared to the fact that the resulting dollar amount was exactly equal to the amount of the increase in my Medicare. So, basically, no increase. They may just as well have made it a 30%, heck why not even a 300%, increase, if the net result to me was going to be $0.00 in the end. I practically had a nervous breakdown. All I was looking for was a few extra dollars each month, so I could afford one gallon of milk. Honestly, I don’t know what made me believe that Congress, who manages to give themselves raises whenever they like, would lift a finger to help those, who truly need it. I wonder… Do any of them have to do without milk if it goes up 10 cents? The system is completely broken and none of us should be surprised by anything that happens. I really just wish, as the saying goes, “they would stop pissing on my head, while telling me it’s raining.” I moved to TN 8 years ago, in order to be in a “no income tax” state. Well, since I have no taxable income, that turned out to be pointless. And, now I live where the sales tax is almost 10%. So, basically, I decreased my income by moving here. A word of warning: It’s going to get much worse, very soon.
D.H. F.
In a nutshell, SSI/SSDI are for those who are medically determined to be disabled. SSI is for those who were in the workforce for little or no time before becoming disabled. SSDI is for those who were workers for a certain length of time before becoming fully disabled. Some receive dual benefits, which gets complicated because receiving one reduces the amount of the other.
AKA
Also, you can be 65 years old and not disabled/
Marie P.
ok
Marie P.
no comments
areti11
I don’t really understand how ssi works. If I get 760 from regular social security how much more does ssi provide to you?
AKA
Take your gross SS payment before any deductions and subtract $20.00 which is disregarded. If the remaining amount is higher that the amount paid in your State you are due nothing further.
R.F.
Thanks for your question. Keep in mind that the Supplemental Security Income or SSI program is a needs based program that gives cash assistance to disabled individuals with limited income and resources. The amount of SSI benefits is based, in part, on the income and resources available to the individual. For SSI eligibility, we count the gross amount of your Social Security benefit amount, minus $20. The total cannot exceed the SSI monthly payment of $735.00. See “Understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI)-Income” web page for more information.