Questions for SSI Benefits

SSI benefits, or Supplemental Security Income, help the elderly and disabled pay for necessities. Unlike Social Security retirement benefits and Social Security Disability Insurance, you do not need to have paid Social Security taxes to qualify for SSI benefits.

Who Qualifies for SSI Benefits?

Elderly people, adults that cannot work for at least one year due to disabilities and children with disabilities that significantly interfere with day-to-day functioning may all qualify for SSI benefits. People must have limited incomes and resources in order to qualify.

How Can I Apply?

Apply for SSI benefits at a Social Security Administration office near you (see "Resources") or telephone [phone] to begin an application. You will need proof of income, such as pay check stubs if you work, and proof of assets, such as bank statements. If you want to apply for SSI because you have a disability, you will need medical records and other documentation to verify your condition.

How Much Will I Get?

The amount you will get each month depends on any other income you have and your living arrangements, including whether you are married or single. In 2010, the maximum amount a single person could receive was $674 per month.

Can I Get Medicare?

If you receive SSI because you are 65 or older, you probably qualify for Medicare as well. If you receive SSI because of a disability, once you have qualified for SSI benefits for two years you can also get Medicare. If you receive SSI because of a disability, you will receive information about signing up for Medicare in the mail when you qualify. If you receive SSI because you are 65 or older, you'll need to apply for Medicare.

Can I Get Medicaid?

In some states, those who receive SSI benefits automatically qualify for Medicaid. In other states, SSI recipients usually qualify for Medicaid but they must apply for Medicaid benefits if they want them.

Can I Work If I Get SSI?

If you receive SSI due to a disability and want to work, the Social Security Administration has programs to assist you. For instance, you can work for a trial period of nine months without losing any benefits. After that, your benefits may be reduced or discontinued, but if you have to stop working due to your disability during the next three years, your benefits can start up again right away. When determining if you earn too much money to receive benefits any longer, the Social Security Administration subtracts work related expenses from your earnings. You may also be able to keep your Medicaid or Medicare if you return to work.

References

• Social Security Administration: Supplemental Security Income
• Social Security Administration: You May Be Able to Get SSI
• Social Security Administration: Medicare
• Social Security Administration: Are You Receiving Benefits and Interested in Working?

Resources

• Social Security Administration: Local Office Search
• Social Security Administration: What You Need to Know When You Get SSI