The Essentials of Supplemental Security Income

By Social Security Disability Advocates | January 30, 2019 | Comments 0 Comment

Have questions about the SSI essentials? Contact SSDA USA today!

Social Security isn’t only for retirees and disabled individuals, and SSDI isn’t the only program overseen by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a viable option to receive benefits during your times of need. Let Social Security Disability Advocates USA explain to you the SSI essentials you should know!

What is SSI?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program overseen by the Social Security Administration (SSA). In addition, the U.S. Treasure funds this program, not Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) or Self-Employment Contributions Act (SECA) funds. This program is for people with little income and few resources who suffer from disability, are blind, or are elderly.

How Do I Qualify?

To qualify for SSI, you must meet certain criteria. The first criterium that you must meet is the Social Security Administration’s disability definition, which is directly below:

You suffer from a disability that prevents you from engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), and
The condition has lasted/will last no less than a year, or
The condition will result in your death.

Once you meet the definition of disability, there are other criteria to examine. Take a look at these other criteria:

You must live in the United States/Northern Mariana Islands, and
Not be out of the country for a period equal to or greater than a full calendar month/30 consecutive days, and
You must also be a U.S. citizen/national or a qualifying non-citizen.

In addition to these requirements, the Social Security Administration will take a look at your income and resources.

Income and Resources

The Social Security Administration takes a careful look at your income (how much you make) and resources (things you own) before deciding whether you qualify for SSI. Also, Certain income and resources are not counted in the SSA’s calculation. Therefore, let’s go over some of them.

Income

The following types of income do not count when the Social Security Administration performs its calculation.

The first $20 earned for most income you receive per month,
Food stamps benefits,
The first $65 you earn from work per month, and half the amount over $65,
Shelter from nonprofit organizations, and
Also, most energy assistance for your home.

Resources

The following types of resources do not count when the Social Security Administration performs its calculation.

The home and land where you currently reside,
Your vehicle (most of the time), in addition to
Life insurance policies worth $1,500 or less,
Burial plots for you and your family members, and
No more than $1,500 in burial funds for you, and no more than $1,500 in burial funds for your spouse.

Each individual is unique, and there are different types of income and resources that may not apply to everyone’s situation. To see if you qualify for SSI, contact SSDA USA immediately.

Need Help With the SSI Essentials?

If you have any questions about social security, contact Social Security Disability Advocates USA today! We are always standing by and ready to address all your social security concerns. Give us a call anytime at 602-952-3200. Also, feel free to contact us online or use our awesome LiveChat feature.

This is attorney advertising. SSDA, LLC is a group of attorneys that pursues claims for Social Security Disability benefits on behalf of its clients against the Social Security Administration. SSDA, LLC is in no way a part of the Social Security Administration. Further, the information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, a representative-client relationship.