SENIOR CONNECTIONS
FARMINGDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY
January/February 2020 Newsletter
Topic of the Month
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) OVERVIEW
SSI is a federal program administered by Social Security and pays monthly benefits to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. Blind or disabled children may also benefit from SSI. SSI benefits are not based on your prior work or a family member's prior work and is financed by general funds of the U.S. Treasury----personal income taxes, corporate and other taxes.
SSI recipients also can receive medical assistance (Medicaid) --to pay for hospital stays, doctor bills, prescription drugs, and other health care costs. They may also be eligible for food stamps (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-- SNAP).
To be eligible for SSI, you must reside in the United States or certain territories. You must not be absent from the country for a full calendar month or more, or for 30 consecutive days or more. You must be either a U.S. citizen or national, or in one of certain categories of qualified non-citizens.
The medical standards for disability are generally for individuals age 18 or older. For children from birth to attainment of age 18, there is a separate definition under SSI. The medical standard is based on the severity of the disability; financial need is not considered at this step in the eligibility process.
You can apply for SSI benefits by visiting the Apply Online for Disability Benefits website---www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-apply-ussi.htm to start the disability application process online---or
by calling 1-800-772-1213 and making an appointment to apply for SSI benefits. With an appointment, a Social Security representative will help you apply for benefits. You can have an appointment to apply by telephone or in person at local Social Security office. You will have to provide information and work with S.S. to obtain documents concerning eligibility including medical records for disability or blindness. S.S. will complete the application form based on information provided. S.S. will notify you in writing of any decision about your SSI eligibility. Each notice about your eligibility will explain your appeal rights. You may review laws, regulations and policy statements used in deciding your case at www.ssa.gov/ssi/ssi-laws-regs.htm and appeal, if warranted.
For further details visit "SSI Income and Asset Limits".
(Application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Form SSA-8000-BK)
(Source: Social Security Administration)
