Requirements to get SSI
To be awarded SSI benefits, you must show the following:
- You can’t work due to physical or mental health impairments.
- Your bad health has already lasted a year, or there’s no doubt that it will.
- It’s been a long time since you’ve worked and paid into the Social Security system, or you’ve never been able to work much.
- You have limited current income.
- You also have limited property or savings.
Some other special circumstances can help you qualify for SSI, such as the following:
- You’re living with blindness.
- You’re over 65 and your income history and financial resources are limited.
- For children’s SSI, you have a child with a disability and your family meets the financial qualifications.
For each of these points, you have to provide evidence and documentation to Social Security to win benefits.
Applying for benefits includes a lot of legwork and forms to fill out.
Most people who apply get denied at least once.
But you don’t have to grapple with this process all on your own. Supplemental Security Income lawyers can give you support at every step.
Talk to Wells, Manning, Eitenmiller & Taylor for an initial review of your claim—at no cost to you.
What Can I Get from SSI?
SSI sends you monthly checks in an amount predetermined by the government. The size of the check changes a little every year.
This is what SSI paid as of 2021:
- $794 for an individual
Getting SSI also automatically qualifies you for Medicaid health coverage, if you didn’t qualify before.
Social Security also runs another disability benefits program that works differently and pays differently: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
You could get SSDI if you’ve worked recently but had to stop because of medical conditions.
The amount you get from SSDI is a little different for each person, based partly on your individual income history. In 2021, the average size of SSDI payments across the millions of people who received them was $1,277.
In certain situations, you could get both SSI and SSDI:
- If your SSDI payments are low enough to meet SSI’s income requirements
- To cover the time after you applied for SSDI but before Social Security officially said you were eligible
If you can’t work and need help staying afloat, talk to us about disability benefits, whether it’s SSI or SSDI.
This could be your chance to reach a greater sense of independence.
We’re with You Every Step of the Way
Whether you’re trying to determine if you’re qualified for disability benefits, you need help filing your application, or you received a denial notice and want another chance, our law firm helps from the beginning and stays by your side.
Have a Question about Disability Benefits?
Your health is bad. You can’t work. Your financial stability is threatened. So your head is swimming with questions. How will you get by? How does Social Security Disability work? We’ve gathered answers. See them here:
Disability FAQs »
Hear from a Wells, Manning, Eitenmiller & Taylor Client
“Have a question? The entire staff is knowledgeable and willing to help. Concerned about some aspect of your case? Say something and they usually have the words to help reassure you.”
