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Requirements for SSI Benefits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) created the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program for individuals who have not worked a sufficient amount of time or have not paid a sufficient amount in Social Security taxes to draw full SSDI or Social Security benefits. SSI is meant to provide an individual with enough income in order to pay for shelter, food and other necessities. SSI requires that specific residency, income and other guidelines be met.

  1. Disability

    • The first requirement for receiving SSI is the presence of a qualifying disability. The blind automatically qualify for SSI if other requirements are met. Other disabilities must meet strict guidelines set by SSA. Individuals who are age 65 and older are automatically eligible based on age.

    Income

    • SSI is a needs-based program. In order to receive SSI benefits, income and resource limits must be met. Resource limits include less than $2,000 in cash resources, which include life insurance policies that can be cashed out and the value of homes or vehicles (excluding one home and one car that are allowed and do not count against the resource limit). Check with the SSA for specific guidelines for earned and unearned income. Couples are allowed to have $3,000 in resources.

    Residency

    • SSI requires that the recipient be a resident of one of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia or the Nothern Mariana Islands for at least the last 30 days in order to qualify for SSI benefits.

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