What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
SSI is a program run by the federal government (administered by the Social Security Administration), which provides monthly cash assistance for basic needs like food, clothing and shelter to adults and children who are disabled (or elderly) and have little or no income and few assets. The modest income that SSI provides doesn’t solve every problem for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD), but it reduces their struggles and helps provide the highly individualized support they may need.
How does the SSI program work?
Supplemental Security Income pays benefits based on financial need, which means that the amount of your monthly benefit is based on your income and resources. To receive benefits under SSI, you must apply for them with the Social Security Administration. (See below for information on where/how to apply.) In New York State, the state adds money to the federal payment. In determining the amount of the supplement, the state may consider the county or borough where you reside.
Once an applicant is approved for participation in the SSI program, the benefits may be paid from the month of application and thereafter his/her monthly benefits can be deposited directly into a bank account or loaded onto a Social Security Administration Direct Express Card.
How do you know if you’re eligible for SSI?
To receive SSI benefits you must be disabled and the value of the things you own must be less than
$2,000 if you are single or less than $3,000 if you are married. The value of your home does not count if you live in it. Usually, the value of your car does not count.
You can quickly find out if you’re eligible to receive SSI benefits by clicking the link below and responding to a few key questions, which should only take about 5-10 minutes to complete: https://ssabest.benefits.gov/benefit-finder
How do you apply for SSI?
To apply for SSI, you can get started by clicking the link below or going to your nearest Social Security office. https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/Ent002View.action
To locate the nearest Social Security office click here: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp
You can also call the Social Security Administration toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 to ask for an appointment with a Social Security representative.