Wondering if you are eligible for SSI? Here are the requirements

December 26, 2019

Supplemental Security Income or SSI is a federally funded benefit program managed by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). The program provides financial help to disabled adults and children who have limited income and assets.

With SSI, citizens who need help with basic needs like clothing, food, shelter, and transportation receive cash benefits. Benefits.gov provides information on eligibility requirements for government benefits and can help you learn more about SSI.

How does SSI differ from Social Security?

SSI is funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes. While you may qualify for Social Security based on years of work and paying Social Security taxes, SSI is not based on prior work experience.

Who is eligible for SSI? 

Do you think you may be eligible for SSI? Take our Benefit Finder to learn if you may be eligible for this benefit and up to 1,000 more federal government programs. 

What are the eligibility requirements for SSI? 

• Must be at least age 65 or be blind or disabled;
• Have limited income and resources;
• Be a citizen or a national of the U.S. or an alien who meets certain requirements;
• Reside in one of the 50 states, District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands, except for a child of military parent(s) assigned to permanent duty anywhere outside the U.S. or certain students temporarily abroad.

Other factors that may affect your eligibility include marital status, bank balance, and monthly income from work.

What documents will I need to apply for SSI?

• Social Security number; 
• Proof of age (documents showing your date of birth); 
• Record of citizenship or alien status;
• Proof of income (tax returns or payroll stubs);
• Proof of resources (bank statements, vehicle registrations);
• Proof of living arrangements (lease agreement, property tax bill, utility bills)
• Medical sources (medical reports, contact information of medical providers);
• Work history (names of employers, hours worked, description of duties performed).

For a full breakdown of the documents you will need to apply for Supplemental Security Income, visit ssa.gov. Even if you aren’t eligible for SSI, you may be eligible to receive other government assistance. We encourage you to browse Benefits.gov to find information on government benefits.

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