How do i apply for social security supplemental income

Supplemental Security Income is a safety-net program administered by the Social Security Administration that provides cash assistance to people with limited income and financial resources who are 65 or older, disabled or blind. Most people seeking SSI benefits must call Social Security at 800-772-1213 or visit their local Social Security office to apply. That goes for all those applying on the basis of age.

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SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) OVERVIEW
How do I supplement my Social Security income?
Who qualifies for additional Social Security benefits?
What is the difference between Social Security and Supplemental Security Income?
What makes you not eligible for SSI?

Local offices fully reopened April 7 after being closed to walk-in traffic for more than two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Social Security recommends calling in advance and scheduling an appointment to avoid long waits.

Disabled or blind adults may apply online if they meet all these criteria:

They are between 18 and 65.
They have never married.
They have not previously applied for SSI.
They are applying at the same time for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Social Security’s primary benefit program for disabled people. (It is permissible to receive Supplemental Security Income on top of your SSDI benefits.)

Completing the multistep online application can be a lengthy process, but you don’t have to do it in one sitting — the Social Security website allows you to save the form and return to it later.

If you are applying for SSI on behalf of a disabled child, you can start the process by filling out a Child Disability Report online. You will need to call 800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment with your local Social Security office to complete the SSI application.

Be prepared to get some papers together: You’ll need to extensively document your income, work history, financial assets, living arrangements and, if applying on the basis of blindness or disability, your medical history. Social Security has an online checklist.

Keep in mind

Supplemental Security Income is paid out of general U.S. Treasury funds, not from Social Security taxes. You need not have worked a certain amount, or paid FICA taxes, to be eligible.
SSI benefits are available to residents of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the Northern Mariana Islands. Residents of other U.S. territories (including Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands) cannot receive SSI.

Understanding SSI Home Page / Understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Overview

SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) OVERVIEW

WHAT IS SSI?

SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income. Social Security administers this program. We pay monthly benefits to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. Blind or disabled children may also get SSI.

HOW IS SSI DIFFERENT FROM SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS?

Many people who are eligible for SSI may also be entitled to Social Security benefits. In fact, the application for SSI is also an application for Social Security benefits. However, SSI and Social Security are different in many ways.

not

be either a U.S. citizen or national, or a qualified alien;

reside in one of the 50 States, the District of Columbia or the Northern Mariana Islands; and

not be absent from the U.S. for a full calendar month or 30 or more consecutive days.

HOW IS SSI LIKE SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS?

Work for at least 35 years..

Boost your payout. ... .

Work for at least 35 years. ... .

Earn more. ... .

Work until your full retirement age. ... .

Delay claiming until age 70. ... .

Claim spousal payments. ... .

Include family. ... .

Don't earn too much in retirement..

Are at least age 65 or blind or disabled. Have limited income (wages, pensions, etc.). Have limited resources (the things you own). Are U.S. citizens, nationals of the U.S., or some noncitizens.

Unlike Social Security benefits, SSI benefits are not based on your prior work or a family member's prior work. SSI is financed by general funds of the U.S. Treasury--personal income taxes, corporate and other taxes.

What makes you not eligible for SSI?

To qualify for SSI, you must also have little or no income and few resources. The value of the things you own must be less than $2,000 if you're single or less than $3,000 for married couples living together. We don't count the value of your home if you live in it, and, usually, we don't count the value of your car.