Supplemental Security Income
The Supplemental Security Income program through the Social Security Administration offers much-needed financial assistance to adults or children who are blind or disabled or for non-disabled people who are 65 years of age or older. To qualify for the program, you must meet very strict income and asset limitations.
Financial limitations to qualify for SSI
SSI is a needs-based program, so you cannot have financial resources with a total value exceeding $2,000 as an individual or $3,000 for a couple. You may, however, own a vehicle for personal use by either you or a member of your household. The value of the home you own and live in as your principal residence does not count toward the resource limits.
There is a limit on the amount of income you may receive from other sources and still qualify for SSI benefits. Social Security benefits, pensions, and other sources of income you receive should be discussed with a disability lawyer at Scully Disability as they may affect your eligibility for SSI. Social Security considers the assets and income of parents and in some situations a stepparent when an application for SSI is submitted on behalf of a child.
In addition to limits on assets and income, a person applying for SSI also needs to meet the following eligibility guidelines:
- Reside in the United States or the Northern Mariana Islands.
- Cannot be outside of the U.S. for 30 or more consecutive days.
- Cannot be confined to a hospital, institution, or prison at government expense.
- Be a citizen or national of the U.S.
The eligibility rules can be confusing, but a consultation with a Disability attorney at Scully Disability can provide you with answers to questions you may have about them.
What qualifies as “disabled” for SSI?
An adult applying for SSI based on a disability must have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment preventing them from engaging in substantial gainful activity. The impairment or impairments must have lasted or be expected to last for at least 12 months or be expected to cause the person’s death.
“Substantial gainful activity” means those activities of a physical and mental nature that are normally associated with work. They may include lifting, standing, sitting, walking, and remembering.
A child younger than 18 years of age is determined to be disabled for purposes of qualifying for SSI when there is a medically determinable mental or physical impairment resulting in a marked
and severe functional limitation lasting or expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months or cause the child’s death.
Learn more about SSI during a free consultation with a disability attorney
The rules and procedures to qualify for SSI benefits are complex, so Scully Disability offers a free consultation to allow you to discuss your situation with one of our outstanding and knowledgeable attorneys. Whether you need help with an application or to appeal the denial of a claim for benefits, we can help.