SSDI, TANF, SSI – there are many government programs available to people who qualify for them. But it is not always easy to figure out which benefits you can get. For example, you may want to request Supplemental Security Income, but are confused. Let’s look at three reasons SSI might work for you.
Your Age and Disability
To meet the basic requirements for SSI benefits, an applicant must be:
- Age 65 or older,
- Blind, or
In addition, however, you also must have limited income and resources.
For example, Leo wants to apply for SSI. He is age 68 but is not disabled. As long as his income and resources fall below SSI’s restrictions, he may request Supplemental Security Income benefits and will probably be approved because of his age. However, Marla wants to request Supplemental Security Income benefits. She is not age 65 yet but recently became disabled. She meets the disability requirement, but she is afraid her income and resources exceed the limits. Marla may apply for Supplemental Security Income benefits anyway because not all income and resources count.
Your Citizenship Status
Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries must be U. S. citizens who live in:
- One of the 50 states,
- The District of Columbia, or
- The Northern Mariana Islands.
For example, Donna meets the basic requirements for Supplemental Security Income benefits. However, she lives in Ecuador. Her residency status disqualifies her from receiving Supplemental Security Income benefits.
You Have a Child with a Qualifying Disability
Parents with a blind or disabled child may request Supplemental Security Income benefits for the child. In this case, “child” refers to an individual under age 18. A third-party also may apply for benefits for a child with a disability.
To qualify, a child must
- have a disability or medical condition that meets the SSA’s definition of disability for children; and
- have income and resources at or below the SSA’s income and resource limits.
Most children under age 18 don’t have any income. When reviewing any request for Supplemental Security Income benefits, the SSA will count the income and resources of parents and family members living in the child’s household.
For example, Lori wants to request Supplemental Security Income benefits for her eight-year-old daughter, Abby. While Abby has a qualifying medical condition, she may not qualify for SSI benefits based on income and resources. Since Abby and Lori live with Lori’s parents, the SSA will count income and resources for Lori and her parents.
Can You Request Supplemental Security Income?
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have helped many clients resolve SSI issues. For a free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100. Though our office is located in Anaheim, we assist clients throughout Southern California.
