SSI Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for SSI, you must meet certain criteria set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The eligibility requirements include:

A. Disability, Blindness, or Age

• Disabled: You must have a physical or mental condition that severely limits your ability to perform basic work activities. This condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The SSA evaluates your condition using a five-step process, which includes assessing whether your impairment is severe, if it matches a listed impairment, and if it prevents you from working.
• Blindness: Individuals who are legally blind can qualify for SSI if they meet the income and resource limits. Legal blindness is defined as having visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye, even with correction, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less.
• Aged 65 or Older: If you are 65 years old or older and have limited income and resources, you may qualify for SSI, even if you are not disabled or blind.

B. Income and Resource Limits

SSI is a needs-based program, which means your eligibility depends on your income and resources.

• Income: The SSA defines income as money you earn from work, money you receive from other sources (like gifts or pensions), and in-kind assistance (like food or shelter). To qualify for SSI, your income must be below a certain threshold. The exact amount varies depending on whether you live alone or with others.
• Resources: Resources refer to things you own, like money in a bank account, real estate, personal property, and vehicles. For individuals, the resource limit is generally $2,000, and for couples, it’s $3,000. However, certain resources, such as your primary home, one vehicle, and burial plots, may not count against these limits.

U.S. Citizenship or Legal Residency

To be eligible for SSI, you must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien. This includes lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who meet the necessary requirements. Non-citizens who do not meet these requirements generally do not qualify for SSI.

U.S. Residency

You must be living in the United States or the Northern Mariana Islands to be eligible for SSI benefits. There are some exceptions for people who are temporarily outside the U.S., such as U.S. citizens living in certain foreign countries.

Apply for SSI

If you meet the basic eligibility requirements, you can apply for SSI benefits. The application process involves gathering documentation about your medical condition, income, and resources. You can apply for SSI in several ways:

• Online Application: The easiest and quickest way to apply is through the SSA’s online portal at www.ssa.gov.
• Phone Application: You can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to apply over the phone or to schedule an appointment to apply in person.
• In-Person Application: You can also apply in person at your local Social Security office. Use the SSA’s office locator to find an office near you.

Make sure you have all necessary documents ready, including your Social Security number, birth certificate, medical records, and details about your income and resources.

How the SSA Determines SSI Eligibility

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria for SSI:

• Work Activity: If you are working and earning above a certain amount (known as Substantial Gainful Activity, or SGA), you will not qualify for SSI.
• Severity of Your Condition: The SSA will assess whether your disability or blindness is severe enough to prevent you from performing basic work activities.
• Listed Impairment: If your condition is on the SSA’s Listing of Impairments, you may automatically qualify for SSI.
• Past Work: The SSA will consider whether your disability prevents you from doing any of your previous work.
• Other Work: If you cannot do your past work, the SSA will assess whether there are other jobs you could do, based on your skills, age, and education.

If you meet these criteria and your financial resources are below the SSI limits, you will likely qualify for benefits.

Other Ways to Qualify for SSI

While the most common way to qualify for SSI is through disability or blindness, there are some exceptions and special rules that may apply. For example, individuals who are applying for childhood disability benefits or are deaf may be eligible for SSI under different criteria.