SSI Eligibility

• SSI targets the elderly or disabled who have very few assets and need help with basic living expenses. To be eligible, you must be 65 years or older, or you must be either blind or disabled. You must also have limited resources, which means that all your worldly possessions combined have to total less than $2000 for an individual or $3000 for a couple. Other eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship or other qualifying legal residency, including permanent resident status or lawful refugee. Those who are incarcerated, fugitives from justice or living in an institution do not qualify for SSI benefits. The Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST), an online questionnaire, can help you determine whether you qualify for any SSA program benefits (see Resources).
  
  

Application Process and Applicants' Rights

• You can apply for SSI disability benefits either on the telephone or in person. In either case, it's usually necessary to set up an appointment. To apply by phone, set up an appointment by calling (800) 772-1213. Or TTY 1-800-325-0778 for the deaf or hard of hearing. To schedule an in-person application, contact your local Social Security office. At your appointment, whether by phone or in-person, you will have the benefit of a representative to assist you. Bring your Social Security number, as well as proof of your birth, citizenship, income, employment history, net worth and living arrangements to the appointment. If you're applying on the basis of a disability and you're under 65, you will also need medical records regarding your condition. Application is a right, so there's no fee or charge. You also have the right to review your file, to receive notice of the decision in your case and to appeal.
  
  

Work Incentives

• The SSA offers several incentives to encourage those receiving SSI benefits to return to work without fear of losing their benefits. The most important of these is the earned income exclusion, which exempts the first $65 earned from counting towards SSI eligibility, and exempts half of all money earned over $65. Students under age 22 can deduct even more earnings from their qualifying income. In addition, you can deduct expenses related to your disability. As a disabled person, you can register a Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) in which you put aside and save some of your non-SSI earnings towards training or education for a particular type of job. These funds won't be counted towards your qualifying income.