SSI Disability Determinations in Iowa

The federal government sets the requirements to qualify for supplemental security income, or SSI, so the determinations are the same in every state. A few states add to the SSI benefits and set their own requirements to qualify for the additional aid, but Iowa does not offer this extra assistance.

Age

• Supplemental security income is most commonly awarded to people over age 65, but anyone with a documented disability can apply for payments. This includes adults and children, and unlike Social Security Disability Income, SSI does not require the recipient to have a work history or minimum level of former income. If you are over age 65, no documented disability is needed.

Disability

• The broad definition of disability used by the Social Security Administration requires that the applicant be either partially or totally blind, or have a medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least a year or result in your death. This includes -- but is not limited to -- mental and physical disabilities, such as ALS, AIDS, schizophrenia and Parkinson's.

Income Restrictions

• The amount of income you can have per month varies partly by where you live, and with whom. In Iowa, and individual can make or receive up to $552 per month and still be eligible for SSI. Not all of your income is counted in this -- food stamps, shelter provided by a nonprofit organization and most home energy assistance are exempt, and do not affect your eligibility.

Resources

• In addition to monthly income restrictions, there are limits placed on the maximum dollar value of your resources. In Iowa, an individual may have up to $2,000 worth of owned items, such as real estate, bank accounts, cash, stocks and bonds. This does not include place of residence, one vehicle, burial plots or a limited amount of burial funds.