To start with, the Supplemental Security Income is a program that is offered by the Federal government of the US to older adults and people living with disabilities and have no or little income. With this program in place, all the participants are able to get monthly cash benefits so that they can meet their daily basic needs. As of April 2022, more than 7.6 have benefited from this program and this number is increasing steadily.
When it comes to the monthly cash benefits, participants hardly get an equal amount. This is because the amount offered here vary depending on one’s countable income or resources and his or her living arrangements. If you live in a state that add more to the Federal SSI payment, be sure that you will get more cash benefits.
On the other hand, if you other sources of income such as Social Security benefits, pensions or wages, be sure that you will get less cash benefits. The same can apply if there is someone who usually caters for your household expenses or you reside with your partner and he or she has a source of income.
Services That Are Supplemental Security Income Covered
Like we mentioned above, the Supplemental Security Income offers the much-needed monthly finances that help the aged, disabled and blind to purchase food, clothing and even shelter. Generally, this program helps them to meet their basic needs with utmost precision. Besides this, the applicant will now be eligible to receive or benefit from the Medicaid-approved services. These include:
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital services
- Laboratory and X-ray services
- Physician services
- Home health services
- Optional services such as case management, prescription drugs, occupational therapy and physical therapy.
Eligible requirements For Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
To be eligible for the supplemental Security Income, you must a number of requirements. These include:
- Ensure that you are at least 65 years and above. Better still, you can either be disabled or blind.
- You possess very little resources
- You are a resident of the United States or possess eligible immigration status
- Your income is relatively low. These include pensions, wages and so on.
- You reside in one of the 50 states of the US, Northern Mariana Islands or the District of Columbia. There are however exceptions where children belonging to parents working in the military service may be able to receive the Supplemental Security Income outside the United States. In addition, certain students living temporary abroad can receive these benefits as well.
Application Process For Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
The process of applying for the Supplemental Security Income is relatively easy and straightforward. To start with, you can either apply via phone by calling 1-800-772-1213. In case you are deaf, you can contact TTY 1-800-325-0778. By dialing any of those numbers, you will be able to book an appointment and even manage to file your application for this program.
You can also apply online by visiting secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/dib if at all you are disabled adult. This applies to those adults between the ages of 18 to 64 years. If you want to file a child’s disability claim, you can consider visiting ssa.gov/benefits/disability/apply-child.html and get started.
What If An Individual With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities Is Not Eligible For Supplemental Security Income ?
It is imperative to note that the resources and monthly income limits differ between Medicaid and SSI. In case an individual has developmental and intellectual disabilities and has financial resources or monthly income that is above the limits set by SSI, he or she can a now apply for Medicaid. Here, the applicant is at liberty to visit the County Board of Social Services, where he or she reside in.
Where Can Individuals And Families Go Online For More Information From The U.S. Social Security Administration?
If you are interested in knowing more details from the U.S Social Security Administration, consider visiting ssa.gov/ssi. With a smartphone, tablet or computer, you will be able to visit this site from the comfort of your home and learn more.
What Are The Financial Limits For SSI Benefits?
As far as the SSI benefits are concerned, all eligible individuals can now receive a maximum payment of $841. In case, a couple has applied for this program, be sure that they can get a maximum payment of $1261.On the other hand, one’s income must be $1767 and below or be $2607 if a couple has opted to apply for this program.
Does The Applicant Have To Be Out Of Work For At Least 12 Months?
Yes. For you to be eligible to enjoy the Social Security Disability Income benefits, you must ensure that you are out of work for at least 12 months or even more as a result of disability. Besides this, you must prove a proof that you have a disability that is actually hindering you from working optimally. This is commonly known as durational requirement.
Is Applicant Receiving Treatment From A Doctor?
Yes.You must show that you are receiving treatment from the doctor for you to enjoy the Social Security Income benefits. This is because failure to show that you are receiving treatment from a renowned doctor might make the SSA not to approve your claims. Therefore, you must resent a written statement from your doctor for you to maximize your chances of enjoying these benefits.
Do You Have To Work To Qualify For SSI?
Yes. To be eligible for SSI benefits, you must have earned at least one work credit annually between the age of 21 and 62 years. Here, the maximum number of credit needed is 40, while the least amount of work credit is 6, irregardless of one’s age. Therefore, you must have worked for 6 to 40 years for you to enjoy the SSI benefits.
Can You Qualify Medically For SSI Benefits?
To qualify for the SSI benefits, you will be required to medically qualify for the program as well be within the much-needed financial threshold or limitations.
Will Children With Disabilities Get Any SSI Facility?
Yes. As long as the children are below the ages of 18 and have a medical condition that meets the disability requirements of the SSI program.
