Many people find it difficult to navigate the Social Security benefits system. For example, many who wish to apply for Social Security’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program may not know whether or not they qualify for it. Keep in mind, SSI is different from traditional Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Supplemental Security Income is available for those who are aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled. SSI also has additional requirements relating to an individual’s income and resources. To qualify, you must make less than $1,913 per month in wages as a single person or less than $2,827 per month as a married couple.
This article discusses the eligibility criteria for the Supplemental Security Program.
What is SSI?
SSI is a federal program that provides financial support to people of all ages who have qualifying disabilities, low income, and limited resources. The amount received depends on the financial needs of the recipient and other qualifying criteria.
SSI Eligibility Criteria
You may be eligible for SSI if:
- If you are 65 years old or older and have limited income and resources
- You are disabled, aged 18-64, with limited resources, and earning less than $1,913 as an individual or less than $2,827 as a couple (per month).
- You are a child under 18, and your guardian or parents’ income and assets are limited
- You possess citizenship of the United States or meet specific criteria as a non-citizen
Income Limit for SSI
To qualify, you must make less than $1,913 per month in wages as a single person or less than $2,827 per month as a married couple and satisfy other eligibility requirements
The Social Security Administration (SSA) adjusts benefit rates and eligibility requirements annually.
Medical Criteria for SSI
To qualify for SSI based on a disability, you must meet the SSA’s definition of disability. The medical criteria for SSI are generally the same as those for SSDI.
You must demonstrate through medical evidence that you have a qualifying medical condition that prevents you from engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). Also, your disability is expected to last at least a year or result in death.
Types of Income
Generally, SSI categorizes income into two types: earned income and unearned income. Earned income encompasses wages, total earnings from self-employment, fees, and income from supported employment programs.
Unearned income includes pensions, worker’s compensation, and veterans’ compensation.
Document Needed to Apply for SSI
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There are some documents that are necessary to have in order to apply for SSI. These include:
- Your social security number
- Your birth certificate
- A citizenship record or status as an alien
- Documents related to your income
- Tax returns or pay slips as financial evidence
- Employment history, the name of the company where you work and nature of duty
- Resources related to healthcare, such as the contact details of healthcare providers
Application Process for SSI
Gather all the necessary paperwork and check out the eligibility criteria before starting the application process. If you don’t know whether you qualify for SSI, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213, or people with hearing difficulties can TTY at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance.
In order to start your application process, you should follow these steps:
- To start the disability application process online, visit the SSA’s official application page
- Obtain the Disability Starter Kit, available for both adults and children, which offers complete information about disability programs and SSI’s decision-making processes.
- You can also apply for the program by calling 1-800-772-1213, and if you are deaf or have hearing issues, you can TTY at 1-800-772-1213.
- Make an appointment in person at your local SSA’s office.
- You can have someone else make an appointment for you or assist you in submitting your application.
When Should You Apply?
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you should apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on benefits. You cannot get benefits for the time period prior to the date of the effective application. The date of your call will be considered the application filling date if you call to schedule an appointment and show up to submit your form.
If you cancel the appointment and don’t contact SSA, they will try to contact you. If you are not available, you will receive a letter, and if you respond to the letter within 60 days, your initial call will be considered your date of application.
After the application process, the determination process will take place. It may take up to five months for the SSA to make a decision. Once the decision is made, you will be informed via mail about the status of your application.
What to do if your Application is not Approved
If the SSA does not approve your application, you can ask them to review your application again. Carefully review the denial notice provided by the SSA to understand the reason for the denial. You may also contact your local SSA office for clarification if needed. If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to appeal.
The appeal process includes reconsideration, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing, Appeals Council review, and, if necessary, federal court review. Gather additional information and consider seeking assistance from a disability attorney or advocate who can guide you through the appeals process. Keep in mind that the SSI appeals process is intricate, and seeking professional advice can be beneficial for presenting a strong case tailored to your circumstances.
Levels of Appeal
In case your SSI is denied, you can make an appeal on four levels
Request for Reconsideration
If your SSI is denied, you can request reconsideration within 60 days. You may provide them with more details about your disability or condition.
ALJ Hearing
After reconsideration, if you still don’t agree with the decision, you can ask for a hearing. The judge will hear the case and has no role in the initial decision-making process.
Appeals Council
If you don’t agree with the decision of the judge, you can request a review by the Appeals Council. If the council agrees with the decision of the judge, your request will be denied. But if they review your case, it will be sent back to the judge for further review.
Federal Court Action
This is the last step of the appeal process. You can find a district court in the area where you live and request further action.
