Disability, SSI

What You Should Know About the SSI Program

January 12, 2017 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: March 17, 2021

two people hiking with a sunsetThe 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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About the Author

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

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Comments

  1. Ernestina O.

    When people are on disability it gets harder when they have kids that are not on disability cuz when people are on disability it’s a struggle but it’s kind of weird that the government is increasing everything and we get sold something so little that’s not fair but if you think of this ain’t Fair and maybe you should contact the White House authorities and ask them what they think to see to help people that are on disability cuz when people with disabilities that that have kids it’s a long ride for them it’s a struggle so please help us hope so security disabilities out you guys won’t regret what God’s been given use

  2. Ernestina O.

    Hey my name is ernestina Ortega I have a comment when you’re on SSI do you supposed to get more money like to help you and if you have a child that’s not on disability I need more money to help to support me and my child cuz I’m making very low and come every single month and I want to know is when you live on your own with your child would you give us to help with like rent bills food clothing and stuff so the reason why I asked that cuz I am on my own I’m living on my own and I’ve been living on my own since I was in my twenties so that’s all I was asking for is just a little help if you help those people I need so but if your on Social Security would you get more benefits from SSI program means to take care of yourself in your child cuz my child is not on disability and I wanted to know can you make it possible or happen so but I have dreams that I want to do like there’s things I want to do I wish I could make money on the side but it’s whole hard to Soul but that’s all I had to ask to see if you will help someone in need thank you for your time hopefully hear from you God bless you and bye bye

    • R.F.

      Hi Ernestina. Benefits issued through our Supplemental Security Income or SSI program are based on the needs of the individual and are only paid to the qualifying person. There are no spouse’s, children’s or survivors benefits payable. Individuals receiving SSI benefits may also be eligible to receive social services from the state in which they 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. Or you can visit the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services web page for more information.
      If you get SSI benefits and are thinking about returning to work, please check out this link to a summary about SSI Work Incentives. We hope this helps !

  3. James G.

    Why do I see all those ads on tv on how a person can get SSI for 2643 a month. If they are using false advertisement that is illegal and yet they work for th USA. They sounds real fishey to me. Why can the Gov’t waste our money advertising about people able to get 2643 a month and people who receive SSI can only get less than a thousand a month is pretty discriminatory and they should be fired and let people with disabilities at least live a normal life. Please respond to my comment ASAP and let me know why?? Please hurry.

  4. Stephanie

    I applied for disability and got approved for a lump sum and then my case would close. However, I was just told I can’t collect my disability lump sum because I am on SSI and you can’t collect SSI and ssdi benefits. Here is the kicker I am not nor have I ever collected an SSI benefit, they are saying they are withholding 13,000 dollars because they gave me several thousand dollars in payments last year. I am not at all aware of any of this. Can anyone explain this to me because I am so confused.

    • R.F.

      We wish we could be more help Stephanie. For security reasons, we do not have access to personal records via this blog. Please continue working with your local office. If you are unable to visit your local servicing office, you may call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a. m. and 7 p.m.

  5. Candy

    Hello :
    Im receiving ssi benefits and currently living with my older son in his house, every month I pay my share of expenses(rent, electricity,water and heat). He will be getting married in the summer. Do I have to report the change of him getting married since Im the one living in his house and given the fact that our living arrangements will not change ?

  6. Ann

    GoodRx has helped me pay for my medication. It’s a discount program that all pharmacies are required to accept. Go to GoodRx.com, to see how much your meds will be, and which pharmacy has the lowest price.

  7. diane

    Thank you Marge. your information about contacting The Dept. of Health and Human Resources was a great idea the best I have heard so far. thank you.

  8. JOSEPH D.

    Under the immigration law if someone sponsors a person to come to the United States, they have to show they have the financial capability to take care of that person and not rely on government resources. That person or persons who sponsor the immigrant is liable for taking care of him/her. But I know many immigrants who come to the US and are given SSI. This is not right. You should look at the sponsor to see their financial situation before giving the immigrant the SSI. It is not the responsibility of the government to bring an immigrant here and take care of him/her. The sponsor should not bring an immigrant here if unable to financially take care of the person. This would be an abuse of the government resources. You should comply with the immigration law and make sure that the sponsor is responsible for the financial needs of the immigrant.

    • R.F.

      Thank you for your comment Joseph. The Supplemental Security Income program pays benefits based on financial need. When an alien has a sponsor, we generally will count the sponsor’s (and his or her spouse’s) income and resources as the alien’s income and resources.

  9. topaz

    is it true that if I file for disability with a lawyer, after the lawyer locks me in with a representative and fee agreement form, they deliberately slow down my application and do everything on paper instead of on- line electronically.
    The lawyers delay the disability decision by not submitting documents or using the post office instead of email in order to accure a larger retroactive benefit so they can collect more money, since they get 25% of the retro moneys when I am approved???.. and that the social security administration knows this but their willing accomplices because the workers get OT to work these paper cases that lawyers submit..why aren’t you stopping this fraud???..

    • Marc

      Yeah, wow, you can live like royalty on $731 a month. Why don’t you apply instead of complaining?@topaz: nothing in your post is true. You may have hired an attorney who is incompetent or dishonest, but that has nothing to do with the SSA nor the SSDI process itself. Additionally, you are never “locked in” to any particular attorney; they work for YOU and if you’re not satisfied with the job they’re doing then fire them and find another. You also need to remember you have to take a little initiative as well; call your attorney and ask for updates on a regular basis. Finally, if your attorney really is doing what you claim, then you need to file a complaint against the attorney with the Bar association in your state. It costs you nothing and they will investigate your claim quickly. Again however, you need to cooperate with them and provide all the information they ask for in a timely manner, just as you need to do with your current attorney. If there is “fraud” going on as you claim, it is NOT being perpetrated by the SSA.

  10. Reinaldo F.

    yo tengo 73 años y solo recibo del seguro social por mes s 438 oo Dolrs no se si clasifico para tener beneficios Gracias

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