WHAT IS SSI?
SSI (“Supplemental Security Income”) is a cash benefit program for low-income persons 65 and over and for blind and disabled persons of any age, including infants and children. Some immigrants cannot qualify for SSI but can qualify for another program called CAPI (Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants.)
1. Basic Eligibility
If you have enough work history you may qualify for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance.) If you do not have enough work history you may qualify for SSI. Many people get both: if your SSDI is below the maximum SSI amount, some SSI will be added to your check to make it come up to the SSI level.
SSI may be your entire income, or it may add to other income you already get so long as your total income is not more than $20 over the SSI maximum benefit. You must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified immigrant living in the country legally to get SSI.
To get SSI, at least one of the following must apply:
• You are age 65 or older
• You are blind; the vision in your best eye is no better than 20/200 with glasses or your tunnel vision is 20% or less
• Your medical records and/or examination by a doctor chosen by the state shows that your physical or mental disability can be expected to keep you, or have kept you, from working for 12 continuous months or can be expected to result in death
• You are a child under 18 who has a medically proven “marked and severe” physical or mental disability that would keep you from working if you were an adult or significantly interfere with your daily activities.
You cannot get SSI any month in which you are in prison or jail, in violation of parole or probation, or a fugitive from a felony.
1. Income
Your “countable income” may not be above the maximum benefit level. Visit www.ssa.gov/onlineservices/#a0=3 or call (800) 772-1213 to see if you qualify.
There are many other types of income that can be subtracted, including foster care payments and all work expenses if you are blind. For a full list, see
https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-income-ussi.htm
2. Resources or Assets
Your countable resources may not be more than a certain amount. Some resources are not counted, including the home you live in and one car if you use it for work or medical treatment at least four times a year or if it is specially-equipped for a disabled person. There are special rules also for property used to make income, and retirement accounts.
If you have too many resources, you can spend them down to meet the limits. You could buy things you need (as long as whatever you buy does not make you go over another limit), or pay off debts. If you give away resources or sell them below a fair price, you can be ineligible for SSI for up to 36 months.
If a child eligible for SSI lives with a parent (or parents) not eligible for SSI, a portion of the parent’s income and resources may be used to figure the child’s SSI cash aid. If a person eligible for SSI lives with a spouse not eligible for SSI, a portion of the spouse’s income and resources may be used to figure the SSI cash aid. The Social Security Office can explain the complicated rules and figure the benefit. For more information, visit www.ssa.gov/onlineservices/#a0=3 or call (800) 772-1213.
Food: If you get SSI in California, you are now eligible to receive CalFresh. Prior to 2019 this was not true, but many SSI recipients may still not know that they are eligible. In addition, if you receive SSI and live where meals cannot be prepared you can get additional financial help each month from Social Security (ask for the Restaurant Meals Allowance.)
Health Care: If you receive SSI, you automatically qualify for Medi-Cal without a share of cost. You may also be eligible for In-Home Supportive Services.
Special Telephone Equipment: If your disability makes it difficult to use the phone you may qualify for special equipment to help. Call (800) 806-1191 (voice) or (800) 806-4474 (TTY line.)
Rent and Household Expenses: Benefits will be lower if you live with someone else and do not pay your full share of household expenses. Homeless people receive the same cash aid as persons with homes, except that you can only get SSI 6 months out of 9 if living in a “public shelter”. If you were getting free room and board when you applied for SSI and later begin paying your share for room and board, tell your worker so your benefits will increase.
A single person can get a board & care rate called “Nonmedical Out of Home Care,” if you do not receive In Home Supportive Services, are not staying in your own home, and a relative who does not get SSI is providing you room, food, and personal care. The county must certify the private residence.
You may be able to get an immediate payment from the Social Security office if either your SSI or your Social Security check is late and you need money right away.