SSI Eligibility for Disability

To qualify for SSI benefits based on a disability, the following must be true:

• You must have a qualifying disability: This can be a physical or mental impairment that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The SSA uses its Listing of Impairments to determine if your condition qualifies.
• The disability must limit your ability to work: To qualify for SSI, your disability must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work tasks. This means that you cannot perform your previous job, and you cannot adjust to any other type of work because of your condition.
• You must meet the SSA’s definition of disability: For adults, the SSA evaluates your condition based on the severity of your impairment and how it impacts your ability to function. For children, the SSA considers how the condition affects the child’s development and ability to perform age-appropriate activities.

SSI Eligibility for the Blind

If you are blind, you may qualify for SSI benefits. To be eligible, you must meet the SSA’s definition of blindness, which is:

• Central vision acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the use of a correcting lens.
• Visual field of 20 degrees or less in the better eye.

If you meet these criteria and have limited income and resources, you could qualify for SSI.

SSI Eligibility for Seniors (Aged 65 or Older)

If you are 65 years of age or older, you may qualify for SSI benefits if you meet the following criteria:

• Limited income and resources: Just like with disability and blindness claims, you must have limited income and resources to qualify for SSI.
• No required work history: Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you do not need to have worked for a certain number of years to qualify. The program is specifically designed to help seniors with limited income, regardless of their work history.

Income and Resource Requirements for SSI

One of the key qualifications for SSI is that you must have limited income and resources. The SSA uses strict guidelines to determine your eligibility based on these factors.

• Income: SSI looks at all the money you receive, including wages, Social Security benefits, pensions, and other sources of income. The SSA has a limit for how much income you can have and still qualify for SSI. If your income is above the limit, you may not qualify.
• Resources: Resources are things you own, such as cash, bank accounts, real estate, and personal property. The SSA has a resource limit, and if your resources exceed the limit, you will not qualify for SSI. For individuals, the limit is typically $2,000, and for couples, it’s $3,000.

Additional SSI Eligibility Requirements

In addition to meeting the disability, blindness, or age criteria, there are other requirements for SSI:

• U.S. citizenship or qualifying noncitizen status: You must be a U.S. citizen or a noncitizen who meets specific requirements.
• Residency requirements: You must reside in the United States or the Northern Mariana Islands. If you live outside of the U.S., you may not be eligible for SSI.
• Not receiving other benefits: In some cases, if you are receiving benefits from other programs, such as SSDI, it could affect your eligibility for SSI. However, there are situations where you may receive both SSI and SSDI benefits.

How to Apply for SSI

If you believe you meet the qualifications for SSI, here are the steps you need to take to apply:

• Complete the SSI application: You can apply for SSI online at the SSA’s website, by phone, or in person at your local SSA office.
• Submit your documentation: You will need to provide documentation about your income, resources, disability, and age. This can include medical records, tax returns, bank statements, and identification documents.
• Attend an interview: After submitting your application, the SSA may schedule an interview to discuss your eligibility and gather any additional information.