Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
The difference between Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is that SSDI payments are based on prior work under Social Security, meaning you’ve worked at a job that has paid a portion of your earnings into Social Security. SSI payments are made based on financial need.
Of course, the differences between SSI and SSDI are more detailed than just that. The following pages will explain who is eligible for what program, why, and how you go about applying.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE SSI?
To be eligible for SSI benefits, you must be:
• Aged (age 65 or older),
• Blind, or
• Disabled,
And
• Have a limited income,
• Have limited resources,
• Be a U.S. citizen or national (aliens may also be eligible under specific guidelines, look for contact information at the end of the article for who to talk to about eligibility)
• Is a resident of one of the 50 states, including the District of Columbia, and the Northern Mariana Islands,
• Is not absent from the country for a full calendar month or more than 30 consecutive days,
• Agrees to apply for any other cash benefits for which you may be entitled, and
• Meets certain other requirements
WHAT DOES DISABLED MEAN?
For a child, disabled means anyone under the age of 18 and has a medically determinable physical or mental impairment, which:
• Results in noticeable, severe functional limitations, and
• Can be expected to result in death, or
• Has lasted or can be expected to last for at least one year.
For an adult, disabled mean anyone over 18 with a medically determinable physical or mental impairment, which:
• Prevents the person from gainfully working, and
• Can be expected to result in death, or
• Has lasted or can last for more than one year
WHAT DOES LIMITED INCOME MEAN?
According to the SSA, income is defined as:
• Money you earn from work,
• Money you receive from other sources, such as Social Security, workers compensation, unemployment benefits, Department of Veterans’ Affairs, friends or relatives, and
• Free food or shelter
WHAT ARE LIMITED RESOURCES?
Resources refers to things that you own, such as:
• Cash,
• Bank accounts, stocks, U.S. savings bonds,
• Land,
• Vehicles,
• Personal property,
• Life insurance,
• Anything that can be sold for food or shelter
HOW DO YOU APPLY FOR SSI?
By calling 1 (800) 772-1213 or visiting your local Social Security Office.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED WHEN YOU APPLY
When you call to make the appointment at the Social Security office, they will tell you what you will need to bring with you. In general, here are some things they may ask you to bring. Be sure to bring or send the originals of each document (the originals will be returned), and keep track of what you send to the SSA and when you sent it.
• Social Security card or number
• Proof of age
• A public birth record from before age 5, or
• A religious birth record from before age 5, or
• Other documents showing your age or date of birth
• Citizenship Record
• Birth certificate showing you were born in the U.S., or
• Religious record of birth or baptism showing your place of birth in the U.S.
• Proof of Income
• Earned income-payroll stubs, or if you’re self-employed a tax return from the last tax year
• Unearned income-any records you have (ex. Award letters, bank statements, court orders, receipts) showing how much you receive, how often, and the source of the payment, and
• Work expenses
• Proof of Resources
• Bank statements for all accounts,
• Deed or tax appraisal for all property you own besides the house you live in,
• Life or disability insurance policies
• Burials contracts, plots, etc.
• Certificates of deposit, stocks or bonds,
• Titles of registrations for any vehicles
• Proof of Living Arrangements
• Lease or rent receipt
• Names, dates of birth, medical assistance cards, or Social Security Numbers for all household members
• Deed or property tax bill
• Information about household costs such as food and utilities
• Medical sources
• Medical reports if you have them,
• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of doctors and other providers of medical services and the dates you were treated
• Work History
• Job titles
• Type of business
• Names of employers
• Dates worked
• Hours worked per day
• Hours worked per week
• Days worked per week, and rates of pay for work you did in the 15 years before you became unable to work,
• Description of job duties for the type of work you performed.
REMEMBER!
• You have the right to receive help from Social Security. They will help you get the documents you need to show you meet the requirements
• You have the right to a representative. You may appoint someone to help you with your SSI claim and go with you to your appointments with the Social Security office.
• You have the right to a notice. The Social Security office will notify you in writing of any decision they make or a change in your benefit amount. Copies will be sent to your representative as well.
• You have the right to examine your file. You may also get a copy of what’s in your file.
• You have the right to appeal. You may contact your Social Security office for more information.
Resources
All information provided for the SSI and SSDI articles came from the United States Social Security Administration website
www.socialsecurity.gov, click on “Disability and SSI”.
You can also write to:
Social Security Administration
Office of Public Inquiries
Windsor Park Building
6401 Security Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21235
Or call toll free between 7a.m. and 7p.m. Monday through Friday:
1 (800) 772-1213, or
TTY: 1 (800) 325-0778