What are the Eligibility Requirements and Application Processes for Supplemental Security Income?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly payments to people with limited income and few resources. SSI is for people 65 or older and those of any age, including children who are blind or have disabilities.
At Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld, our Santa Barbara social security income attorneys help California residents understand the application requirements and submission process so they can successfully pursue these essential benefits to help enrich their livelihoods.
Who is Eligible to Pursue Supplemental Security Income Benefits?
To pursue Supplemental Security Income, individuals must meet one of the following requirements:
- Be age 65 or older.
- Be totally or partially blind.
- Have a medical condition that keeps you from working and is expected to last at least one year or result in death.
The eligibility criteria are different for children.
(Editor’s Note: Highlighted sentence will link to the What is the Eligibility Criteria for Childhood Disability Benefits? blog.)
How Do You qualify for Supplement Security Income?
The Social Security Administration requires applicants to meet specific criteria to qualify for SSI.
These criteria differ by state, and in California, the applicant must have:
- Little or no income and few resources.
The value of your resources — which are the things you own — must be less than $2,000 if you are single or less than $3,000 for married couples living together. The Social Security Administration does not count the value of your home if you live in it and usually does not count the value of your car. They will count cash, bank accounts, stocks and bonds.
In addition, to receive SSI, you must also apply for any other government benefits for which you may be eligible, and may include enrollment in:
- Medicaid.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The basic monthly SSI payment for 2023 is the same nationwide:
- $914 for one person.
- $1,371 for a couple.
Not everyone gets the same amount. States like California contribute to the federal payment, which may increase the amount eligible recipients receive. The single payment accepted at the beginning of each month includes the federal SSI payment and the supplement from California.
If you are having trouble pursuing SSI benefits or if your application has already been denied, we may be able to help you access the supplemental security income you are entitled to.
Contact Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld Today for Help with Your SSI Claim
At Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld, our California SSI attorneys have six physical offices in Bakersfield, Fresno, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Ventura, and Visalia, and our top-tier technologies provide a virtual reach to serve clients throughout California. We offer free in-person, telephone, and virtual consultations to offer straightforward legal advice for your unique needs.
Contact us today to learn more about your legal rights and options to pursue the best outcome for your critical case.