How to Get SSI Benefits

Knowing how to get SSI benefits from the government can make life easier for those that are left with little to no income because of a disability, aging or blindness. Before you can apply for benefits, you should take the five-minute questionnaire to see if you would qualify for benefits. If you qualify, you can move on the application process, which is lengthy and completed by an agent of the Social Security office.

Things You'll Need

• Birth certificate
• Social Security number
• Work history
• Proof of any income
• Proof of resources (bank statements, tax deeds, titles to vehicles and any stocks and bond certificates)
• Proof of living arrangement
• Medical sources

Instructions

The Questionnaire

1. Complete the questionnaire (see Resources) to determine if you qualify to start the application process.

2. Enter your birth date, where you live and your status as a citizen. Question 4 will ask you to check any of the boxes that apply to your current situation. Answer the remaining questions asking how many times you were married, if you are married now and if you have ever paid Social Security taxes. Answer if you have ever worked for the government and if you are disabled.

3. Continue to the next page where you will answer more questions about when you became disabled, if you are blind or have a rectal disease and how much you earn now. Answer the remaining questions about spouses and any children that may be deceased.

4. Move to the next page to which will have questions pertaining to your spouse or former spouse, if any. You will be asked if there are any dependents that rely on you for support. Finish the questionnaire and move onto the next page, which will tell you if you may qualify for benefits based on your truthful answers.

The Application

1. Make an appointment at your local Social Security office or walk in and wait for someone to help you fill out the application. An official of the Social Security office does the application interview process.

2. Provide the necessary documents when you go for the application interview process. Bring along your Social Security number, proof of age (birth certificate), proof of income if you have any and proof of resources such as stocks, titles to vehicles, tax statements for a home, bank statements and any statements for a burial plot. Bring along proof of work history, medical resources and proof of living arrangement.

3. Answer all questions that are asked honestly. After the application process, the application is submitted for review. You will be notified if you need to make an appearance at a committee hearing and what you will need to do before hand. Sometimes you are advised to have a lawyer represent you, but this is not always the case.

4. Follow directions sent to you and make any appearances set forth in the letter you receive in the mail about your case.

Tips & Warnings

• Provide accurate answers to avoid any problems.

References

• SSI Website

Resources

• SSI Questionnaire