Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program designed to provide monthly payments to individuals with limited income and few resources: the main reason for its existence is to tackle the hunger in America. It offers financial assistance to people who are 65 years or older, as well as those of any age, including children, who are blind or have disabilities.
To qualify for SSI, you must meet certain requirements, and you have to fill the application correctly from the first time. And, regarding this, if you’re a first-time applicant, you’ve got to know the correct steps. Let us guide you through the process and avoid any mistakes or delays when you need this important monye.
Qualifying for the Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
In order to determine whether you qualify to request for SSI or not, let’s take a look at the basic requirements. First, you have to be 65 years or older, or being partially or totally blind, regardless the age. The third group of qualifying people are those having a medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last for at least one year or result in death. Additionally, when determining your eligibility for SSI, the Social Security Administration (SSA) takes into account your income and resources.
Your income includes the money you earn, Social Security benefits, pensions, and the value of items you receive from someone else. Each state has different rules regarding the amount of income you can have each month while still qualifying for SSI.
To be eligible for SSI, the total value of your resources (material or financial possessions you own) should not exceed $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a married couple that live together. Certain assets, such as the house you live in and sometimes your car, may not be counted. However, cash, bank accounts, stocks, and bonds are considered when determining your resources.
SSI could be requested in these US states or territories: This is how much you could get
To receive SSI, you must be domiciled in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands. However, there are exceptions for children with disabilities whose parents are military personnel or for students temporarily abroad. If you are not a U.S. citizen but lawfully reside in one of the mentioned locations, you may still be eligible for SSI.
The basic monthly SSI payment for 2023 is the same nationwide (that means in the 50 states, the DC, and the Mariana Islands). It is $914 for one person, or $1,371 for a couple. Not everyone will get the same amount, and the monthly money could vary depending on every case. You may get more if you live in a state that adds money to the federal SSI payment. You may receive a little less if you or your family has other income.
Could I get SSI if I have SNAP benefits?
Besides SSI, there are other government benefits you may be eligible for, and you’re able to apply for them as well. If you receive SSI, you can also request benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and even Medicaid. SNAP helps with the cost of purchasing fresh and nutritious food, and even seed to plant food in your own house.
IF you want to apply for the SSI benefits, feel free to visit the official Social Security SSI website here. But, if you think you’d better request for the SNAP benefits, this is the website you’ve got to go.