Supplemental Security Income SSI

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Social Security Retirement

You can start your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62 or as late as age 70. Your monthly benefit amount will be different depending on the age you start receiving it. If you choose to: Read more

Social Security Survivors

When a person who has worked and paid Social Security taxes dies, certain members of the family may be eligible for survivors benefits. Up to ten years of work is needed to be eligible for benefits, depending on the person's age at the time of death. Read more

Social Security Disability

The Social Security disability insurance program (sometimes referred to as SSDI) pays benefits to you and certain family members if you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. Read more

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Medicare

Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older. Certain people younger than age 65 can qualify for Medicare, too, including those who have disabilities and those who have permanent kidney failure or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Read more

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Supplemental Security Income or SSI.

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources.

SSI benefits also are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial limits.
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What is Supplemental Security Income?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a Federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes):

      *It is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income; and

      * It provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.

You can apply for SSI benefits by:

      *Calling 1-800-772-1213 (or TTY 1-800-325-0778 if you are deaf or hard of hearing) and making an
        appointment to apply for SSI benefits. With an appointment, one of their representatives will help you apply
        for benefits. You can have an appointment to apply for benefits on the telephone or in person at your local
        Social Security office.

      * Having someone else call and make the appointment for you or assist you with your application for SSI
         benefits.

      *Visiting their office to apply without making an appointment, but you may have to wait awhile.

You will have to provide information and work with them to get documents concerning SSI eligibility.

You will have to file an application.

THEY do not have SSI applications online. Most of the forms to apply for SSI benefits are not designed for self–completion. Their claims representative interviews you and uses a personal computer to complete the forms with information you give to them or someone else gives to them on your behalf.

When to apply

Apply as soon as possible so that you do not lose benefits. They cannot pay benefits for time periods earlier than your application effective date.

If you call them to make an appointment to apply and you file an application within 60 days of the call, they may use the date of your call as your application filing date.

If you do not keep this appointment and you do not contact them to reschedule the appointment, they will try to contact you. If they do not get in touch with you to reschedule the appointment, they will send you a letter. The letter will say that if you file an application within 60 days from the date of the letter, they will use the date of your original contact with them as your SSI application date.

If you are in a public institution, but you will be leaving within a few months, you may not be eligible for SSI benefits until you leave. You may, however, be able to apply before you leave so that SSI benefits can begin quickly after you leave. Check with the institution and SSA about filing an application under the "prerelease procedure."

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