Sometimes you need a little extra help. People who qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) get just that. However, people applying for SSI have to complete applications, provide information, and submit a number of supporting documents. Here’s a rundown of the important documents you need to send with your application for SSI benefits.
SSI Fundamentals
First, let’s look at who can qualify for SSI.
An individual who is:
- age 65 or more
- OR
- blind or disabled.
AND
A person who:
- has limited income and resources,
- is a citizen or national of the United States,
- resides in the United States, District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands.
Some other requirements affect your eligibility, including marital status and monthly income.
Social Security sends monthly cash benefits to people who qualify. But first, you have to get through the process of applying for SSI.
Applying for SSI: Document Requirements
You need to send the following documents with your application:
- Your social security card or proof of Social Security number.
- Proof of age, which can be almost any document showing your age or date of birth.
- Proof of citizenship. If you are a U.S. citizen, submit a birth certificate, baptismal records showing you were born in the United States, naturalization certificate, U.S. passport or passport card, certificate of citizenship.
- Alien status records. You can send current immigration documents (for example, a Permanent Resident Card) or an Arrival/Departure Record.
- Proof of income. Appropriate documents include pay stubs, tax returns, award letters, bank statements, court orders). You need to show how much income you receive, the source of income, and how often you receive it.
- Proof of resources. Your resources cannot exceed Social Security’s limits. You may need to submit bank statements for every account you own, deeds or appraisal records, insurance policies, burial plans, CDs, stocks, bonds, and vehicle ownership information.
- Living Arrangements. You need to prove living arrangements by submitting leases or rent receipts and information about household costs. Social Security also requires that you send the names, birthdates, and Social Security numbers for everyone that lives with you.
- Medical sources. Send copies of all medical reports that you already have in your possession. Also, send contact information for healthcare providers, dates you were seen, and any medications you are taking.
- Work history. Proof of jobs you had for the 15 years before you became disabled.
It might seem like Social Security is asking for too much. However, this documentation will be used to prove that you are eligible for SSI benefits.
Generally, Social Security asks that you submit what you have and send the rest later. In other words, you should start applying for SSI as soon as possible, even if you don’t have all the required documents in hand.
Learn More About Applying for SSI
The application process can be long and frustrating, so you need someone on your side. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have more than 50 years’ experience. For a free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100. Though our office is located in Anaheim, we assist clients throughout Southern California.
