What Is Supplemental Security Income

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides payment to low income people who are blind, have a disability or age 65 or older. SSI is managed by the Social Security Administration and the money used to make these payments are paid by the US Treasury general funds, not the trust funds from Social Security.

The base amount given for Supplemental Security Income is the same for all states, but most states also add additional money to these payments. To find out the current amount paid out for SSI in your state you can contact your local Social Security office.

SSI Application Rules and Guidelines

Your current income and resources, what you currently own, will determine if you can get Supplemental Security Income. Find out how to apply for SSI.

SSI Income Limits

Money received such as wages, Social Security benefits, pensions and even food and shelter are considered income. The monthly amount of income you have and where you live will determine if and how much of SSI you can receive. You can contact your local Social Security office to find out the income limits in your state. There is income you may have received that does not count towards the decision of if you qualify for SSI, this includes:

• The first $65 a month you earn from working and half the amount over $65
• The first $20 a month of most income you receive
• SNAP/Food Stamps
• Most home energy assistance
• Shelter

The SSA will include your spouse's income and resources when deciding your SSI status. Marriage can affect your social security benefits in a positive way. If under the age of 18, they also include parts of your parent's income and resources when deciding if you qualify for the Supplemental Security Income program. For sponsored noncitizens, they may include your sponsor's income and resources. For students, some of the wages or scholarship money you receive may not count.

For people who work but are disabled, the Social Security administration does not count wages you use to pay for things you need to help with your disability that allows you to work, for example a wheelchair or money needed for training or assistance. People who are disabled may be qualified for other Social Security programs based on their income and employment status. If you are blind and spend money for transportation to and from work, then that will not count as income.

SSI Resource Limits

The Social Security administration might consider these as resources when deciding if you qualify for SSI:

• Real estate
• Bank accounts
• Cash
• Stocks
• Bonds

For a single person, you may be able to qualify for Supplemental Security Income if your combined resources are worth $2000 or less, for couples it is $3000 or less. If you are selling property you may still be able to get SSI. The Social Security administration does not count all resources you own when determining if you qualify. Below is a list of items that don't count:

• Life insurance policies with a face value of $1500 or less
• The home you live in and the land it is on
• In most cases, your car
• Burial plots for you and members of your immediate family
• Up to $1500 in burial funds for you and if married, the same for your spouse

Additional SSI Rules and Guidelines

In order to qualify for SSI you must live in the United States or be from the Northern Mariana Islands and be a United States citizen or national. In some instances noncitizen residents can qualify for SSI. To get additional information about this, request the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) For Noncitizens (Publication No. 05-11051).

• You can get SSI and other benefits if eligible for SSI and Social Security benefits
• Living in a rest home, halfway house or other public institution disqualifies you for SSI in most cases. However, there are exceptions
• You may get SSI if you live in a publicly operated community serving 16 or less people
• If living in a public institution to receive approved educational or job training, you may get SSI
• You may get SSI if you live in an a homeless emergency shelter
• Living in a public or private institution paid for by Medicaid with no more than half the cost of your care, you may get a small payment from SSI