Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits
- SSi benefits are limited only to individuals who receive little or no income. Although SSI is a federal program, it is administered differently by different states. Therefore, the limit on income varies depending on the state, with eligibility levels generally based on a state's median income. Recipients must have less than $2000 in assets, while an individual and his spouse must have less than $3000 in total assets.
- For an adult of working age -- below 65 -- to receive SSI, he must have a disability severe enough that it prevents him from being able to hold full-time employment. Individuals 65 and older do not have to have a disability. Children under the age of 18, while not expected to be seeking employment, can receive SSI if they have a severe disability whose effects last longer than 12 months, or which can result in death.
- Blind people with low incomes are also eligible to receive SSI benefits, whether they are able to be gainfully employed or not. According to the Social Security Administration, blindness is defined as having less than 20/200 vision in the better eye, even after correction. Blindness does not have to be a permanent condition. A person can be temporarily blind and receive SSI. However, he will no longer receive payments if his vision improves.
- Before receiving SSI benefits, an individual must first apply to the Social Security Administration to receive it. If the applicant is disabled, he must be examined by a doctor contracted by the state's Disability Determination Services. The doctor will attempt to determine the extent of the person's disability. Using this information, the Social Security Administration will determine whether the applicant is eligible to receive benefits and, if so, in what amount.