Social Security:

You May Be Able 
to Get SSI

 

(NOTE: This information posted on this page was copied directly from the Social Security site and reformatted for use here) 

What is SSI?

SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income. It's a program run by Social Security. It pays monthly checks to the elderly, the blind, and people with disabilities who don't own many things or have much income.

If you get SSI, you usually get food stamps and Medicaid, too. Medicaid helps pay doctor and hospital bills.

To get SSI, you must be elderly or blind or have a disability.

• Elderly means you are 65 or older.

• Blind means you are either totally blind or have very poor eyesight. Children, as well as adults, can get benefits because of blindness.

• A disability means you have a physical or mental problem that is expected to last at least a year or result in death. Children, as well as adults, can get benefits because of disability.

How Much Can You Get From SSI

The basic monthly SSI check is the same in all states. It is:

• $512 for one person; or

• $769 for a couple.

Not everyone gets this exact amount, however. You may get more if you live in a state that adds to the SSI check. Or you may get less if you or your family have other money coming in each month.

Things You Own And Your Income

To get SSI, the things you own and your income must be below certain amounts.

Things You Own

We don't count everything you own when deciding if you can get SSI.

For example, we don't count your home and some of your personal belongings. Usually, we don't count your car. We do count cash, bank accounts, stocks and bonds.

You may be able to get SSI if the things we count are no more than:

• $2,000 for one person; or

• $3,000 for a couple

Your Income

Your income is the money you have coming in, such as earnings, Social Security checks and pensions. Non-cash items you receive, such as food, clothing or shelter also count as income.

The amount of income you can have each month and still get SSI depends on where you live. In some states you can have more income than in others.

If you don't work, you may be able to get SSI if your monthly income is less than:

• $532 for one person; or

• $789 for a couple.

If you work, you can have more income each month. If all of your income is from working, you may be able to get SSI if you make less than:

• $1,109 a month for one person; or

• $1,623 a month for a couple.

However, if you're applying for SSI disability benefits and are earning $700 or more a month, you probably won't be eligible for benefits.

Remember: we don't count all of your income, so you may be able to get SSI even if you have more income, especially if you live in a state that adds money to the SSI checks.

Where You Live

To get SSI checks, you must live in the U.S. or Northern Mariana Islands and be a U.S. citizen or national. (Certain non-citizens also may be eligible for SSI. A Social Security representative can tell you if you qualify.)

How To Sign Up For SSI

Call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, to set up an appointment with a Social Security representative who will help you sign up. You can speak to a service representative between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on business days. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on business days. Type www.ssa.gov to access Social Security information on the Internet.

The Social Security Administration treats all calls confidentially - whether they're made to our toll free numbers or to one of our local offices. We also want to insure that you receive accurate and courteous service. That is why we have a second Social Security representative monitor some incoming and outgoing telephone calls.

Publication Number 05-11069
January 2000
ICN 480390

As of October 1, 2002 at 11:27:08 AM EDT (-0500), the U.S. population was 
288,181,442. With estimates that about five percent of the population suffers from

obstructive sleep apnea, that means there are potentially

14,409,072 apneics in the U.S.

As of October 1, 2002 at 11:27:08 AM EDT (-0500), the world population was 
6,253,616,576. With estimates that about five percent of the population suffers 
from obstructive sleep apnea, that means there are potentially

312,680,829 apneics in the world.

Awake In Philly is a support group for individuals who have been diagnosed with at least one of the recognized sleep disorders, as well as anyone else impacted by those with sleep disorders. The information on the Awake In Philly website is not intended to replace medical advice, nor is any information to be misinterpreted as an attempt to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 

If you have questions about any of the medical conditions mentioned on this website, especially if you suspect that you (or someone you know) has sleep apnea, please contact a qualified medical professional immediately. The information is intended to provide support, guidance, and encouragement to others contending with the many challenges of sleep disorders. The goals of Awake In Philly are to support, educate, and inform those who feel the impact of sleep disorders, as well as the general public. Medical advice should only come from qualified, licensed, and trained health-care professionals.