Eligibility for SSI Based on Age, Disability, or Blindness

To qualify for SSI, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Age 65 or Older: Individuals who are 65 or older and have limited income and resources may qualify for SSI, even if they don’t have a disability.
• Blindness: If you are legally blind, meaning your vision cannot be corrected to better than 20/200 in your better eye, you may qualify for SSI.
• Disability: You can qualify for SSI if you have a disability that prevents you from working. This includes both physical and mental conditions that are expected to last at least one year or result in death.

Income and Resource Limits for SSI Eligibility

One of the most important factors in determining SSI eligibility is your income and resources. The SSA has strict limits on how much income and resources you can have to qualify for SSI benefits.

• Income: The SSA considers all sources of income, including wages, Social Security benefits, and other forms of support. If your income is above a certain limit, you may not qualify for SSI.
• For 2025, the income limit for an individual is typically around $1,000 per month (this can vary depending on living arrangements and other factors).
• Resources: The SSA also limits the amount of resources you can have. Resources are assets such as cash, bank accounts, real estate, or personal property.
• For 2025, the resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. Certain assets, such as your primary home and car, are excluded from this calculation.

If your income and resources are within the limits set by the SSA, you may qualify for SSI.

U.S. Citizenship and Residency Requirements

To be eligible for SSI, you must be a U.S. citizen, national, or a qualified alien. In addition, you must reside in the United States or the Northern Mariana Islands. There are a few exceptions for individuals who are lawfully residing in the U.S. but may have limitations on receiving SSI if they are not U.S. citizens.

Work History and Social Security Credits

Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which requires you to have a certain number of work credits, SSI does not require any work history. Eligibility is based solely on your financial need, and not on how much you’ve paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes.

Children and SSI Eligibility

Children under the age of 18 can also qualify for SSI benefits if they have a disability or are blind and meet the income and resource limits. The SSA will review the child’s medical condition and determine whether the condition is severe enough to prevent the child from participating in age-appropriate activities or schooling.

Applying for SSI Benefits

If you believe you qualify for SSI benefits, you can apply through the Social Security Administration (SSA). Here’s how to apply:

• Apply Online: You can apply for SSI benefits online through the SSA’s website at www.ssa.gov.
• Call the SSA: You can also call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment.
• Visit an SSA Office: You can apply in person at your local SSA office.
• Provide Required Documents: When applying, make sure you have the necessary documentation, such as medical records, proof of income and resources, and personal identification information.