Who is eligible?
- You may be able to receive SSI if you are....
- A person age 65 or older,
- A person of any age who is blind or disabled, and
- A resident of the United States and
- A U.S. citizen or a non-citizen who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Special rules apply for non-citizens. Click here for more information about benefits for non-citizens. And are ...
- Low or limited income is usually an income below the SSI amount of $654 for 2008 and have.
- Have limited resources. Resources need to be $2,000 or less for 1 person or $3,000 and less for 2 persons (usually a husband and wife)
Where to apply?
You apply by going to the local Social Security Office that serves your address or you can begin to complete the disability report apply online. The actual SSI application has to be made with the local Social Security office. Call 1-800-772-1243 to find out the office and to make an appointment. Due to Social Security using a Quick Disability Determination which uses information you enter in the on-line disability report, it is strongly recommended that you do the disability report online. If you need help with this you can have family or friends assist you, or you can ask your local Social Security office for help.
NOTE: Please apply for benefits as soon as you believe you need them.
Do you need to apply for SSI for your child?
Social Security needs information about your income if you are
applying for SSI for a child. Special rules called deeming
apply to how your income is used for your child. Social Security does
look at whether you other persons you need to support It is best to make
an application for a child and let Social Security decide if the child
is eligible. It is highly recommended that you begin the disability
report online.
What happens after you apply?
Social Security needs to interview you. If you call Social Security to make an appointment to apply and you keep the appointment and file an application within 60 days of the call, Social Security uses the date of your call as your application filing date. Social Security will attempt to contact you if you do not keep this appointment. They will try to call you to reschedule (so make sure you provide a phone number where you can be reached on your application) or if. The letter lets you know that if you file an application within 60 days from the date of the letter, Social Security will use the date of your original contact with them as your SSI application date.
If you need to provide information to Social Security, you will be told what is needed and when you need to return the information. If you need help to get documents such as proof of age, citizenship, Social Security can help you.
If you are applying because of disability or blindness Social Security needs to obtain medical information that proves your disability in order to make a decision. If you are not able to get this from your existing medical providers Social Security will pay for you to have a doctor examine you. Social Security will pay your travel costs to get to this exam. If you want more information about how Social Security decides if you are disabled click here Social Security will mail you a letter telling you if you are approved or denied for benefits. The application process can take 3 to 4 months.