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A Guide To SupplementalSecurity Income (SSI) ForGroups And Organizations
2008
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Contacting Social Security
Visit our websiteOur website, www.socialsecurity.gov , is a valuable
resource for information about all of Social Security’sprograms. At our website, you also can:
• Applyforcertainkindsofbenets;
• FindtheaddressofyourlocalSocialSecurityofce;
• RequestareplacementMedicarecardoraSocialSecurity Statement;and
• Findcopiesofourpublications.
Call our toll-ree numberIn addition to using our website, you can call us
toll-free at 1-800-772-1213.Wecananswerspecicquestionsfrom7a.m.to7p.m.,MondaythroughFriday. We can provide information by automated
phoneservice24hoursaday.Ifyouaredeafor hardofhearing,youmaycallourTTYnumber, 1-800-325-0778.
Wetreatallcallscondentially.Wealsowanttomake sure you receive accurate and courteous service.ThatiswhywehaveasecondSocialSecurityrepre-sentativemonitorsometelephonecalls.
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What’s inside
A guide to Supplemental Security Income
(SSI) or groups and organizations 4About this booklet 4
How institutions, groups andorganizations can help 5
SSI payments and state services 7
Who is eligible or SSI? 11
Inormation or people who getor apply or SSI 22
Helping people who get SSIgo back to work 26
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A guide to Supplemental Security Income(SSI) or groups and organizations
Morethansevenmillionpeoplecurrentlyget
monthlypaymentsfromtheSupplementalSecurityIncome(SSI)program.Therearemanyotherpeoplewhomayqualify,buthavenotapplied.Youcanhelpustellelderly,blindanddisabledpeoplewhohavelittle income or resources about SSI.
About this booklet
SSIisafederalprogramthatgivesmonthlypaymentstopeoplewhoareage65orolderorareblindorhaveadisabilityandwhohavelowincomeandfewresources(thingsowned).
ThisbookletexplainstheSSIprogram.Itisdesignedtohelpinstitutions,groupsandorganizationsthathavecontactwithpotentialorcurrentSSIrecipients.
TheSocialSecurityAdministrationrunstheSSI program.SocialSecuritydecideswhoiseligible,makes payments and keeps a master record ofrecipients.EventhoughSocialSecurityrunstheprogram,SSIisnotSocialSecurity.SSIisnancedbyU.S.Treasurygeneralfunds,nottheSocialSecuritytrust funds.
YoucanndamoregeneraldescriptionoftheSSI program in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (Publication No. 05-11000).SocialSecurityalsohasYou May Be Able To Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (PublicationNo.05-11069).
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How institutions, groups andorganizations can help
YoucanhelpspreadthewordaboutSSItopeoplewho
mightbeabletogetpayments.Sometimespeopleareafraidofdealingwith“the
government.”Organizationscanhelpcalmthesefearsbyassistingpeopleastheyapplyandwaitforadecision.Organizations can provide transportation to interviewsandhelppeoplegatherinformationneededtoapply(seepages22and23)orgetmedicalevidence.Youalso
canhelpthemcompletepartoftheirSSIdisabilityapplication online at www.socialsecurity.gov .
Help the homelessSSIcanhelpahomelesspersongethousingby
providingmonthlypayments,butapersondoesnotneedahometogetSSI.SocialSecuritycanmake
arrangementstogiveSSIpaymentstothehomeless.Anorganizationcanbeamaildroplettingthehome-lesspersonpickupchecksorotherimportantSocialSecurityinformationattheorganization’saddress.
Be a representative payeeSomepeoplecangetSSIbutcannotmanagetheir
money,soarepresentativepayeegetstheirSSIpay-mentsontheirbehalf.RepresentativepayeesareresponsibleforusingSSIpaymentsonbehalfoftherecipientstoprovidefortheircareandwell-being.
Someorganizationsthatserveaspayeeforveormorebeneciariesareallowedtochargeafeefor theirpayeeservicesifauthorizedbySocialSecurity
todoso.Theallowedmonthlyfeeis10percentof themonthlybenetor$30,whicheverisless.Formore information about serving as a payee, askfor A Guide For Representative Payees (PublicationNo.05-10076).
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Pre-release agreementsTohelppeoplemakethetransitiontothecommu-
nitywhentheyarereleasedfromapublicorprivatefacility,suchasaprisonormentalinstitution,peoplecan apply for SSI before being released, and an SSIpaymentcanbemaderightafterrelease.Institutionsand Social Security enter into a pre-release agreementwhichcanhelpthesepeoplereceiveSSIbenetssoonaftertheirrelease.
SSI payments while in an institutionMostpeoplewholiveinapublicinstitutionarenot
allowed to get a full SSI payment. But, a person maycontinue to get SSI payments during a stay in an insti-tution under certain conditions.
Institutionsandorganizationscanhelppeople continuetogettheircorrectSSIpaymentamountsbytellingSocialSecuritywhentheyenteraninstitution.
Seepages21-22formoreinformationontherulesforreceivingSSIwhileinaninstitution.
Help or low-income Medicare benefciariesIfapersonwithlowincomeandfewresourcesis
coveredbyMedicare,thestatemaypaytheMedicarepremiumsandotherout-of-pocketmedicalexpensessuchasdeductiblesandcoinsurance.Onlythestatecandecide.Tondout,contactthestateorlocalsocialservicesofceorMedicaidagency.Youcan getmoreinformationfromthepublication, I you
need help paying Medicare costs, there are programsthat can help save you money (PublicationNo.CMS-10126).Togetacopy,calltheMedicare
toll-free number, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).Ifyouaredeaforhardofhearing,youmaycall TTY1-877-486-2048.
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SSI payments and state services
SSI payment rates
In2008,thehighestfederalSSIpaymentis$637amonthforapersonand$956amonthforacouple.StatesmayaddmoneytothefederalSSIpayments.
Statescanletthefederalgovernmentmanagethestatesupplement;thestatepaysthecosts.Oneappli-cationcoversboththefederalandstatepayments.
Statesmaychangethepaymentamountsbased
onwhereandwithwhompeoplelive.Also,thestatemayignoreadditionalamountsofincome.Seethechartonthenextpageforalistofthemaximumpaymentratesinstateswherethefederalgovernmentmanagesthestatesupplements.
Somestatesmanagetheirownsupplement.Inthosestates,peoplemustapplyforthesupplementwiththe
stateagency.Statesthatmanagetheirownsupplementare Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut,Florida,Idaho,Illinois,Indiana,Kentucky,Louisiana,Maine,Maryland,Minnesota,Missouri,Nebraska,NewHampshire,NewMexico,NorthCarolina,NorthDakota,Ohio,Oklahoma,Oregon,SouthCarolina,SouthDakota,Texas,Virginia,Washington,
Wisconsin and Wyoming.
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Maximum payment amount to individual/couple livingindependently eective 1/2008
State Elderly Blind Disabled
California $870/$1,524 $935/$1,751 $870/$1,524
Delaware*$637/$956
$637/$956
$637/$956
Hawaii$637/$956
$637/$956
$637/$956
Iowa$637/$956
$637/$956
$637/$956
Massachusetts $765.82/$1,157.72 $786.74/ $1,573.48 $751.39/$1,136.06
Michigan$637/$956
$637/$956
$637/$956
Montana*$637/$956
$637/$956
$637/$956
Nevada$673.40/$1,030.46
$746.30/$1,330.60
$637/$956
New Jersey $668.25/$981.36 $668.25/$981.36 $668.25/$981.36
NewYork$724/$1,060
$724/$1,060
$724/$1,060
Pennsylvania$637/$956
$637/$956
$637/$956
RhodeIsland$694.35/$1,064.50
$694.35/$1,064.50
$694.35/$1,064.50
Utah $637/$956.60 $637/$956.60 $637/$956.60
Vermont$689.04/$1,054.88
$689.04/$1,054.88
$689.04/$1,054.88
Washington,D.C.
$637/$956
$637/$956
$637/$956
*Supplement available only to people in protective care arrangements.
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How we fgure payment amountsBefore we begin paying someone SSI, we will send
himorheraletterthattellswhenpaymentsstartandhowmuchheorshewillget.
TherstSSIpaymentwillbemadefortherstfullmonthafterthepersonappliedorbecameeli-gibleforSSI.Theamountmaynotbethesameeverymonth.Theamountdependsonotherincomeandliv-ingarrangements.Wewilltellthepersoninadvancewheneverwechangetheamountofthepayment.
TheSSIamountusuallyisbasedontheperson’sincomefromtwomonthsbefore.Forexample,awomanlivinginCaliforniagetsa$500SocialSecuritywidow’spaymentanda$325SSIpayment. InJune,shebuysalotteryscratch-offcardandwins$200andreportsthattotheSocialSecurityofce.ThatmeansinAugust,herSSIpaymentwillbereducedto$125.Inthisexample,herSSIpayment willgobackto$325inSeptember.ThefederalSSIpaymentwillincreaseeachyear
tokeepupwiththecostofliving.TheseincreasesusuallywillbeintheJanuarypayment,whichisreceivedattheendofDecember.
Whenapersonbecomeseligibleagainafterbeingineligible, a person’s payment sometimes is proratedfromthedatethepersonbecomeseligiblethroughtheendofthemonth.Forexample,apersonwhobecomeseligibleonthe10thdayofthemonthwillgetanSSIpaymentbasedonthenumberofdaysfromthe10ththroughtheendofthemonth.Thepaymentamountisguredaccordingtotheperson’sincomeandwhereandwithwhomheorshelivesandisthenprorated.
ThebaseSSIpaymentisreducedbyone-thirdifapersonorcoupleislivinginanotherperson’shomeandgettingfood,shelterorothertypesofsupportfromthatperson.Thisreductiontakestheplaceof
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settingtheexactdollarvalueforthehelp.Supportisanyfood,clothingorshelterthatisgiventosomeone,or is received because someone else pays for it.
State servicesInadditiontothesupplementalpayments,the
statesprovidepeoplewhogetSSIwithMedicaidandotherservices.
Interim paymentsSomestatesandlocalsubdivisionsmake“interim
assistancepayments”topeoplewhiletheywaitforadecisiononwhethertheycangetSSI.Thestateorlocalgovernmentisreimbursedfromtheperson’srstSSI payment.
MedicaidInmoststates,peoplewhogetSSIgetMedicaid,
whichpayshealthcareexpenses.Insomestates,Medicaidisavailabletoadisabled
childage18oryoungerwhoreceiveshomecarethatcoststhegovernmentlessthaninstitutionalcare.Ifsomeone gives away or sells personal items for lessthanwhattheyareworthorthepersonisabene-ciaryofatrust,itmayaffectMedicaidcoverage.For
moreinformationaboutMedicaid,contactthestate orlocalsocialservicesofceorMedicaidagency.
Social servicesPeoplewhogetSSIsometimescangetsocialservices
fromthestate,cityorcounty.Dependingonwherethepersonlives,thesemayincludehomemakerservices
andarrangementsformealsortransportation.Moreinformationisavailableatthelocalpublicassistanceofceorsocialservicesdepartment.
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Food stampsPeoplewhogetSSImightbeabletogetfoodstamps.
IfapersonlivesinahomewhereeveryoneisapplyingfororgettingSSI,thepersoncanapplyforfoodstampsataSocialSecurityofce.Ifapersondoesnotliveinahomewhereeveryone
isapplyingfororgettingSSI,heorshemustapplyforfoodstampsatthelocalfoodstampofce.
Who is eligible or SSI?
Who can get SSI?Peoplewithlowincomeandfewresources(things
owned)whoareage65orolderorareblindorhaveadisabilitymaybeabletogetSSI.Otherrequirementsareonpage19.
A person age 18 or older is considered disabled if
aphysicalormentalcondition(orcombinationof conditions)keepsthepersonfromworkingandisexpectedtolastatleast12monthsorresultindeath.
Achildunderage18maybeconsidereddisabled ifthechildhasaphysicalormentalcondition(orcombinationofconditions)thatresultsin“markedandseverefunctionallimitations”andisexpected
tolastatleast12monthsorresultindeath.Formoreinformationaboutbenetsforchildren,askforBenefts For Children With Disabilities (PublicationNo. 05-10026).
Apersonisconsideredblindifheorshehasvisionnobetterthan20/200oralimitedvisualeldof20degreesorlessinthebettereyewiththeuseof
eyeglasses.Apersonwhosesightisnotpoorenoughtobeconsideredblindmaystillqualifyasdisabled.
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What is income?SSIconsiders“income”anythingapersongetsthat
canbeusedforfood,clothingorshelter.Itincludescash,checksand“gift”itemsreceived,suchasfoodandshelter.
SSI divides income into two categories—earnedand unearned. Earned income includes wages, netearnings from self-employment, certain royalties andmoneyfromshelteredworkshops.UnearnedincomeincludesSocialSecuritybenets,workers’orveteran’scompensation, pensions, support and maintenance
inkind,annuities,rent,interestandotherincome not earned.
In2008,apersonmusthavelessthan$657amonthinunearnedincometoreceiveSSIbenets.AcouplecangetSSIiftheyhaveunearnedincomeoflessthan$976amonth.
Because a larger portion of earned income isdisregarded,apersonwhoreceivesSSIcanearnupto$1,359amonth($1,997foracouple)andstillcontinuereceiving SSI.
WhileweencouragepeoplewhoalreadyreceiveSSIbenetstowork,peoplewhoworkwhileapplyingforSSIbenetsbasedondisabilitycannotmakeasmuchinearnedincome.That’sbecausetheirabilitytowork
affectsourdisabilitydecision.ApersonwhoisjustnowapplyingforSSIdisabilitybenetsandearnsmorethan$940amonthprobablywillnotbeabletogetSSIbenets.
PeoplewholiveinastatethataddsmoneytothefederalpaymentcangetSSIeveniftheyhavemoreincome(seethechartonpage8).
IncomelowerstheamountofanSSIpayment.Butnoteverythingapersongetsisincome,andsomethingsthatareincomedonotcount.
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What does not count as income?Medicalcareandservices(includingreimbursements•andpaymentofhealthinsurancepremiumsbyothers);
Socialservices;• Incomefromthesale,exchangeorreplacementof•resources(theseareconsideredresources);
Incometaxrefunds;•
Insuranceonchargeaccountsorothercreditaccounts;•
Proceedsofaloan;•
Billspaidbysomeoneelseforthingsotherthan•
food,clothingorshelter;Replacementoflostorstolenincome;•
Homeenergyassistance;•
$20amonthofearnedorunearnedincome(except•sometypesofunearnedincomebasedonneed,suchascertainveterans’pensions);
$65amonthofearnedincomeplusone-halfof• earnedincomeover$65amonthor,ifthereisnounearnedincome,$85amonthofearnedincomeplusone-halfoftherest;
Foodstampassistance;•
Governmentrefundsoftaxespaidonrealproperty•oronfoodpurchases;
Assistance based on need from a state or local• politicalsubdivisionorIndiantribe;
Amounts for tuition and fees paid from grants,•scholarshipsandfellowshipsandgiftsforeducationalexpenses;
Home-grownproduceconsumedbythehousehold;•
Irregularorinfrequentearnedincometotalingno•
morethan$30aquarter;Irregularorinfrequentunearnedincometotaling •nomorethan$60aquarter;
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Domestic commercial transportation tickets•receivedasgiftsandused;
Paymentsforgivingfostercaretoachildwhois•notgettingSSI,buthasbeenplacedbyanapproved
agencyinthehomeofsomeonewhogetsSSI;One-thirdofanychildsupportpaymentsfromthe•absentparent;
Earnings(upto$1,550amonth,butnomorethan•$6,240ayearin2008)ofapersonunderage22whoregularlyattendsschooloratrainingprogram;
GrantsorloanstostudentsfromtheDepartment•of Education’s or Bureau of Indian Affairs’educationalprograms;
Income needed by a blind or disabled person for•anapproved“planforachievingself-support” (seepage28);
Thecostofablindperson’sworkexpenses;•
Wagesusedtopayforitemsorservicesthathelp • adisabledpersonwork(seepage27);
Housingassistancefrommostfederalhousing•programs;
Compensation to volunteers from ACTION•programsrunbystateandlocalsubdivisions;
RestitutionpaymentsmadebytheU.S.government•
toJapanese-AmericansandAleutswhowereinternedorrelocatedduringWorldWarII;
PaymentsmadebytheAustriangovernmentunder•paragraphs500-506oftheAustrianGeneralSocialInsuranceAct;
AgentOrangesettlementpayments;•
ReparationspaymentsreceivedbyHolocaust•
survivorsfromtheFederalRepublicofGermany;Earnedincometaxcreditpayments;•
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NetherlandsWUVpaymentstovictimsofpersecution•duringtheGermanandJapaneseoccupationsoftheNetherlandsandtheDutchEastIndies;
Relocationassistanceprovidedforfederalorfederally•
assistedprojectsorbystateorlocalgovernments;Assistancefurnishedinconnectionwitha•residentially declared disaster and any interestearnedontheassistance;
Mostfederaljudgmentdistributionpaymentsand•percapitapaymentsoffundsheldintrustbytheSecretaryoftheInteriormadetomembersofNative
Americantribes,includingpurchasesmadewithsuchpayments;
Upto$2,000annuallyofincomethatNative•AmericansgetfromtheirinterestsintrustorrestrictedIndianlands;
Interestwhichispaidonexcludedburialfundsand•lefttoaccumulate;
Any interest earned and left to accumulate as part•ofthevalueofanexcludedburialspacepurchaseagreement;
Interestanddividendsearnedonotherresources, •inmanycases;
Food,clothingorshelterinanonprotretirement•homeorsimilarinstitutionthatisprovidedorpaidforbyanonprotorganizationthatisnotexpresslyobligatedtodoso;
Food,clothing,shelterandhomeenergyassistance•providedbyaprivatenonprotorganizationiftheassistanceisbasedonneedascertiedbythestate;
Homeenergyassistanceprovidedbycertainhome•
energysuppliersiftheassistanceisbasedonneedandiscertiedbythestate;
Victims’compensationpayments;and•
PaymentsfromtheRadiationExposure•Compensation trust fund.
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Other income rulesIfonlyonememberofacouplequaliesforSSI,part
oftheineligiblemember’sincomemaybeconsideredtheeligiblespouse’saswell.
Ifaneligiblecoupleseparates,eachpersonistreatedasanindividualstartingwiththerstmonthaftertheyseparate.
Ifanunmarriedchildunderage18islivingathome,someoftheparents’incomemaybeconsideredthechild’sincome.Allowancesaremadefortheparentsandforotherchildrenlivinginthehome.Theremainingparentalincomeisincludedwiththechild’stodecideifthechildcangetSSI.
Monthly wage reportingIfanSSIrecipientworks,orsomebodyinthe
householdwhoseincomemayaffecttherecipientworks(see“Otherincomerules”),westronglyencouragemonthlywagereportingasawaytomakesure SSI payments are accurate and on time. Becauseitistheresponsibilityofthebenecaryorpayeetoreportwages,notreportingthemontimemayresultintheSSIrecipientowingmoneytoSocialSecurity.Submittingpaystubsontimeeverymonthwill
ensure accurate and timely SSI payments.
Temporary Assistance or Needy Families(TANF)TheSSIprogramallowsapersontogetbothSSI
and TANF payments, but TANF is considered incomefor SSI purposes. However, most states will not pay
TANFtoSSIrecipients.CheckwiththeTANFagencyin your state.
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Resources (things owned)ForapersontogetSSI,theresources,orthingsa
personowns,mustbeworthnomorethan$2,000;acouple’sresourcescanbeworthupto$3,000.
ThehigherlimitappliestoacoupleevenifonlyonemembercangetSSI.Thecouple’sresourcesarecountedasifbothmemberswereeligible.
Ifaneligiblecoupleseparates,eachpersonwillbetreatedasanindividualstartingwiththerstmonthaftertheyseparate.
Ifanunmarriedchildunderage18islivingathomeandtheparents’resourcesexceed$3,000($2,000ifonlyoneparent),theexcessmaybeconsideredthechild’s.
Money,whetherincashoranaccount,isconsideredaresourceinthemonthafteritisreceived,inmostcases.Sometimes money does not count as a resource for alimitedperiodoftimebutthenbecomesacountableresourceifitisnotspentwithinthegiventimelimit.
Insomecases,apersonmayreceivemoneythatdoesnotcountasincomewhenreceivedbutdoescountasaresourceafterreceived.Thenextsectiongivessomeexamples.
What resources do not count?
WedonotcounteverythingapersonownswhenwedecidewhetherapersoncangetSSI.Wedonotcountthefollowing:
Ahome(andadjacentland)whereapersonlives;•
Personaleffectsorhouseholdgoodswithatotal•valueof$2,000orless.Ifthetotalvalueismorethan$2,000,theamountover$2,000counts.The
valueiswhatanitemcanbesoldfor,lesstheamountofanylegaldebtagainstit;
Onecar,usually;•
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Lifeinsurancepolicieswithatotalfacevalueof•$1,500orlessperperson;
Burial plots or spaces for a person and immediate•family;
Burialfundsofupto$1,500perpersonforaperson•andspouseifspecicallysetasideforburial.Thisamountwillbereducedbytheamountofanylifeinsurancepolicy;
Propertyneededforaperson’sself-support.This•includes property used in a trade or business or bytheindividualasanemployee,nonbusinessincome-
producing property and property used to produceessential goods and services (like rental property orlandusedtoproducefoodforhomeconsumption);
Thingsthatapersonwhoisblindordisabledneeds•foranapproved“planforachievingself-support”(seepage28);
Disaster assistance and certain native corporation•stocksheldbynativesofAlaska;Any retroactive SSI payments or retroactive Social•Security payments are not counted as resources forninemonthsaftertheyarereceived.Thisgivestimetomakepurchasesorpaymentsondebtsthatwentunpaidwhilewaitingforthebackpayments.Anyretroactivepaymentsleftoverafterninemonths
willcountasaresource;Crime victims’ compensation payments for nine•monthsaftertheyarereceived;
Grants,scholarships,fellowshipsandgiftsfor•tuitionandfeespaidforeducationexpensesfor ninemonthsafterthemonththeyarereceived;
State and local government relocation assistance•forninemonthsafteritisreceived;and
Earnedincometaxcreditsforninemonths•followingthemonththeyarereceived.
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Other rules about resourcesApersonwhoownsmorethanisallowedbecauseof
propertythatcannotbesoldquicklymaystillbeableto get SSI payments by signing an agreement to selltheexcessresources.
Ifapersongivesawayorsellsaresourceforlessthanitisworth,theremaybeaperiodofineligibilityforSSI.ThegiftorsalealsomaymakehimorherineligibleforMedicaidcoverageofnursinghomeservices.
Shared resources and incomeThefederallawdoesnotrequiresupportbyrelatives.
But,indecidingwhethersomeonecangetSSI,weconsiderahusbandandwifewholivetogethertobesharingtheirincomeandresources,andachildtobesharingtheirparents’incomeandresources.
Other rulesInadditiontobeingage65orolder,blindordisabled
andmeetingthelimitsonincomeandresources,apersonmustmeetotherrequirementstoqualifyforSSI. Generally, you need to be a U.S. citizen to receiveSSI,buttherearesomeexceptions.
Residence and citizenship
TogetSSI,apersonmustliveintheU.S.ortheNorthernMarianaIslands(exceptforchildrenof military personnel and students temporarily abroad).U.S. citizens and nationals can get SSI, and sometimesnoncitizenswhoareU.S.residents.Formoreinformation, ask for Supplemental Security Income(SSI) For Noncitizens (Publication No. 05-11051).
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Sponsored noncitizensWhetherasponsorednoncitizencangetSSIdepends
ontheincomeandresourcesofthesponsor,thesponsor’sspouseandonthenoncitizen’sownresourcesandincome.Theresourcesandincomeofthesponsor(andthesponsor’sspouse)areconsideredtobethenoncitizen’sandarecountedwhendecidingwhetherthenoncitizencangetSSIandtheamountofpayment.
FornoncitizenswhosesponsorssignedlegallyenforceableafdavitsofsupportonDecember19,1997,orlater,thesponsor’sincomeandresourcesmaybe
counteduntilthenoncitizenbecomesaU.S.citizenorworks 10 years. Contact us for more information aboutsponsor income.
Leaving the United StatesIfsomeoneleavesthe50states,theDistrictof
ColumbiaortheNorthernMarianaIslandsforan
entirecalendarmonth,nopaymentcanbemadeforthatmonth.For SSI, Puerto Rico is considered to beoutside the United States and people who move toPuerto Rico cannot get SSIAlso,onceapersonhasbeenoutsidethecountryfor
30 or more days in a row, payments cannot start againuntilthepersonhasbeenbackintheUnitedStates,
theDistrictofColumbiaortheNorthernMarianaIslandsfor30daysinarow.Ifapersonisoutofthecountryforlessthanamonth,thereisnochangeintheSSIpayment.
TherearespecialrulesfordependentchildrenofmilitarypersonnelwholeavetheU.S.TheymaybeabletogetorapplyforSSIwhileoverseas.Thereare
alsoexceptionsforstudentsstudyingabroad.
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Applying or other beneftsPeoplewhogetorapplyforSSImustapplyforany
othercashbenetstheymightbeabletoget.PeoplewhogetSSImightbeabletogetSocialSecurity,too.
People in institutionsPeoplewholiveincityorcountyresthomes,
halfwayhouses,prisonsorotherpublicinstitutionsusuallycannotgetSSI.Buttherearesomeexceptions.
Apersonwholivesinapubliclyoperated•communityresidencethatservesnomorethan16people may be able to get SSI.Apersonwholivesinapublicinstitutionprimarily•to attend approved educational or vocationaltrainingprovidedintheinstitutionmaybeabletogetSSIifthetrainingisdesignedtopreparetheperson for employment.
If a person is in a public or private medical•treatmentfacilityandMedicaidispayingmorethan halfthecostofhisorhercare,thepersonmaybeabletogetSSI.Achildinapublicorprivatemedical treatment facility may be able to get SSI ifMedicaidorprivateinsuranceispayingmorethanhalfthecostofcare.Inthesecases,theSSIpaymentisusuallynomorethan$30amonth,plusany
additionalmoneypaidbythestate.Apersonwholivesinapublicemergencyshelter •forthehomelesscangetSSIforuptosixmonthsduringanynine-monthperiod.
SomepeoplewhogetSSIandwhowereworking•before entering an institution may be able to keepgettingSSIforthersttwofullmonthsintheinstitution.
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ApersonwhogetsSSImaybeabletokeep •getting it during a temporary stay in a medicalinstitution if:
Adoctorcertiesthatthepersonisexpectedtobe—
intheinstitutionthreemonthsorless;andThepersonmaintainsandpaysexpenses—associatedwithpermanentlivingexpenses.
Wemusthaveevidenceoftheabovebythe90thdayafterthepersonenterstheinstitutionorbythedateofdischarge,whicheverisearlier.
Inormation or people who get or applyor SSI
Applying or SSIPeople can apply for SSI by visiting a Social Security
ofceorcallingusforanappointment.Additionally,it
is possible to complete a large part of an application forSSIdisabilitybenetsonlineatwww.socialsecurity.gov .Parentsorguardiansusuallycanapplyforachildunderage18.Itishelpfultohavethefollowinginformationbefore applying:
SocialSecuritycardornumber;•
Birthcerticateorotherproofofage;•
Homeinformation,suchasamortgagereceiptor•leaseandlandlord’sname;
Payroll slips, bank books, insurance policies,•carregistration,burialfundrecordsandotherinformationaboutincomeandresources;
Names,addressesandtelephonenumbersofdoctors,•hospitalsandclinics(ifapplyingduetodisabilityorblindness);andProofofU.S.citizenshipornoncitizenstatus.•
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Peopleshouldapplyeveniftheydonothaveallthethingslisted.Wecanhelpthemgetwhatisneeded.
How we handle SSI applications
TheSocialSecurityofcetakesapplicationsandevaluates evidence of identity, income and resources.Theofcedeterminesifarepresentativepayeeisneeded and, if so, appoints one.
Ifthepersonapplyingseemstomeetalltherequirementsandneedsmoneyrightawayduetoanemergency,theSocialSecurityofcemayissuean
emergencyadvancepayment.UsuallywecollecttheamountoftheadvancepaymentfromtheSSIbackpayortherstsixSSIpayments.If,however,thepersonisnoteligibleforbenets,theadvancepaymentmayhavetoberepaid.
For a person age 65 or older,theSocialSecurityofcedecidesifheorshewillgetSSI.
For a disabled or blind claimant getting SocialSecuritydisabilitybenets,theSocialSecurity ofcemaymaketheSSIdecisionwithoutaformalmedical decision.
For a disabled or blind claimant not gettingSocialSecuritydisabilitybenets,aformalmedicaldecisionisneeded.Itismadebythestatedisability
determinationservice.Thestateagencyreviewsallmedicalevidencesubmittedandrequestsadditionalevidence if needed.
ApersonapplyingforSSIwhohasaveryseveredisabilitycanbecalled“presumptivelydisabled”or“presumptivelyblind”andcangetpaymentsforup tosixmonthswhilethestateagencydeterminesif
thepersonisdisabledorblind.Thesepaymentswillnothavetobepaidbackiftheclaimantisfoundnotto be disabled or blind.
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What to reportApersonwhogetsSSI(orhisorherrepresenta-
tivepayee)mustreportallchangesthatmightaffecteligibilityorpayment.Achangemustbereportedwithin 10 daysafterthemonthinwhichitoccurs.
NOTE: I people do not report changes to us in atimely way, they can be penalized. With a penalty,they can lose money rom their check. This amount is rom $25 up to $100. I we fnd out that people gaveus alse inormation or withheld important inorma-
tion on purpose, we can stop their benefts rom six to 24 months.
People who get SSI must report:Changesinincome,resources,livingarrangements•andmaritalstatus;
Iftheyenterorleaveaninstitution;•
Iftheiraddresschanges;•IftheyleavetheUnitedStatesortheNorthern•MarianaIslands(PuertoRicoisconsideredoutsidetheU.S.forSSIpurposesonly,andpeoplewhomovetoPuertoRicoareineligibleforSSI);and
Iftheyareeeingtoavoidprosecution,arefugitive•felons or are violating a condition of probation orparole imposed under state or federal law.
Married people who get SSI mustreportchangesintheirspouse’sincomeandresources.
I the person getting SSI is a child younger than age18livingwithhisorherparents,anychangeintheparents’ income and resources must be reported.
People getting SSI who are blind or have a disabilitymustletSocialSecurityknowiftheygotowork,becomeself-employedortheirconditionimproves.
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Students between ages 18 and 22mustreportiftheystartorstopgoingtoschool.
The income o children who do not get SSI mayaffecttheamountofSSIpayabletotheirparentsortoasiblinggettingSSI.Recipientsmustreportchangesintheincomeofchildrenwholiveintheirhousehold.Theymustalsoreportchangesintheschoolattendanceofchildrenages20-24andtelluswhenachildinthehouseholdreachesage18(orage22 if a student).
I a noncitizen has a sponsor,theSSIrecipientmust
reportchangesintheincomeandresourcesofthesponsorandthesponsor’sspouse.
SomeoneshouldnotifyusifapersonwhogetsSSIcannotmanagemoneyordies.Reportscanbemadebyphone,mailorinpersonatanySocialSecurityofce.
Social Security gives detailed reporting responsibili-tiestopeoplewhogetorapplyforSSI.
Right to appealApersonhastherighttoappealadecisionmade
abouthisorherSSI(exceptsomestatedecisions).
Ifapersondisagreeswiththedecision,heorshehas60daystoappeal.Formoreinformation,ask
for Your Right To Question A Decision Made OnYour Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Claim (Publication No. 05-11008).
NOTE: People who frst fle a claim on orater August 1, 2006, in Connecticut, Maine,Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island andVermont should ask or “Your Right To Question
A Decision Made on Your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Claim” (Publication No. 05-11508).
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SSI reviewsThelawrequiresthatweregularlyreviewthecase
ofeachpersongettingSSI.Thisreviewiscalleda“redetermination.”
WewillaskthepersongettingSSItoprovideinfor-mation about income, resources, bank accounts andwhereandwithwhomheorshelives.Itisagoodideatokeepbankaccountstatementsbecausetheymaybeneededfortheredetermination.
Insomecases,theredeterminationcanbedoneby
mailortelephone.Inothercases,wewillasktheper-sontovisittheSocialSecurityofceforaninterview.LocalSocialSecurityofcesnotifythepersonwhenitistimeforhisorherredetermination.
Medical reviewsWereviewdisabilitycasestobesurethepersonis
still disabled. We may ask for new medical evidenceandaskthepersontohavespecialexamsortests.Thefrequencyofthesemedicalreviewsdependsonhowseveretheimpairmentisandwhethermedicalimprovementisexpected.Apersonwhosemedicalconditionisexpectedtoimproveusuallyhashisorhercasereviewedsixto18monthsafterpaymentsstart.
Helping people who get SSI go back to workThereareavarietyofrulestoencouragepeople
whoareblindorwhohaveadisabilitytowork.Formore detailed information, ask for Working WhileDisabled—How We Can Help (Publication No.05-10095).
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Ticket to WorkMostpeoplewhogetSSIbecausetheyaredisabled
orblindcangeta“ticket”forvocationalrehabilita-tionandotheremploymentsupportservicesfromanapprovedprovideroftheirchoice.Apersonusingaticketgenerallywillnotneedtohavearegularlyscheduledmedicalreview.Formoreinformation,askfor Your Ticket To Work (PublicationNo.05-10061).
Deductions or work expensesIndecidingwhetherapersonwhoisdisabledcan
getSSIandinguringtheSSIpaymentamount,someimpairment-relatedworkexpensescanbedeductedfrom earned income. Social Security must approveeachdeductionandtheamount.Thefollowingworkexpensesusuallyaredeductible:
• Wheelchairs,respirators,bracesandothermedicaldevices;
• Attendantcareservices,suchasassistancegoingtoandfromworkoraninterpreterforthedeaf;
• One-handedtypewriters,telecommunicationsdevicesforthedeafandotherwork-relatedequipment;
• Regularlyprescribeddrugsandmedicalservicesneededtocontrolamedicalcondition;
• Homemodications,suchasrampsorrailings outsidethehomethatimprovemobility;and
• Expendablemedicalsuppliesandothermiscella-neousexpenses.
BlindpeoplewhogetSSIarealloweddeductionsfromtheirearnedincomeforworkexpensesinadditiontothosementionedabove.Examplesare
federal,stateandSocialSecuritytaxes;guidedogexpenses;routinetransportationcoststoandfromwork;anduniondues.Theseworkexpenseswill
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bedeductedbeforeguringablindrecipient’sSSIeligibility or payment amount.
Continuation o payments and Medicaid
SSI payments may be paid to disabled persons eveniftheywork.Asearningsincrease,theamountoftheSSIpaymentisreduced.Evenifaperson’scashpaymentsstopbecauseofwages,thepersonmaybeabletokeepMedicaidcoverage.
Plan or achieving sel-support
Underaplanforachievingself-support,apersonwhoisdisabledorblindcansetasideincomeandresourcesforaworkgoal.Thefundsmustbeusedtopayforthingsneededtoreachthegoal,suchasvocationaltraining,education,purchasingwork-relatedequipmentorstartingabusiness.Thefundssetasidewillnotcountindecidingwhetheraperson
cangetSSIorhowmuchheorshecanreceive.Thepersonmusthavearealisticworkgoal,a
specicsavingsorspendingplan,andmustaccountforthemoneythatissetaside.Thepersonmustfollowtheplan,butcannegotiaterevisionsifneeded.
A vocational counselor, social worker, employer,Social Security representative or anyone else may
helpapersondevelopthisplan.SocialSecuritywillevaluatetheplananddecideifitisacceptable.
Itisimportanttorememberthatapersonwhocurrentlydoesnothaveaplanmaysetrealisticgoalstobecomeself-supporting.Heorshemaycreateaplanforachievingself-supporttomovetowardthosegoals.
Quick beneft restartApersonwhoreturnstoworkbutndswithinve
yearsthatheorshecannotcontinuetoworkbecause ofadisabilitycanhavebenetsrestartedwithoutling
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anewapplication.Apersoncangetuptosixmonths ofprovisionalpaymentswhileweverifyadisability stillexists.
Ifwendthatthepersonisstilldisabled,regularSSI
paymentswillstartifallotherrequirementsaremet.Ifthepersonisnotfoundtobedisabled,these
provisional payments usually do not need to be paid back.
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Social Security AdministrationSSA Publication No. 05-11015ICN 480300Unit of Issue - Package of 25