| While Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be very | | | | have less than $2,000.00 in assets, not counting one |
| beneficial to many US citizens, it isn't always easy for | | | | car and one home. For married couples, the limit is |
| one to find out how to qualify for SSI. Supplemental | | | | $3,000.00. In addition, a person must be found to be |
| Security Income is a monthly stipend given by the U.S. | | | | disabled by the Social Security Administration. |
| government for senior citizens (people over the age of | | | | The best way to find out if you're eligible for SSI is to |
| 65) and disabled persons of any age. The money | | | | meet with a social security representative. To find how |
| provided does not come from the social security trust | | | | to qualify for SSI, you can meet with a social security |
| funds, but rather the U.S. Treasury general funds. The | | | | representative near you. To find the nearest social |
| SSI program was instituted in 1974 as a replacement | | | | security offices, call toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 or visit |
| for the several state-run programs that served the | | | | Parents and guardians can usually apply for a blind or |
| same purpose. | | | | disabled child under the age of 18, and in some cases, |
| SSI is compensation that's based on need. Before | | | | third parties are able to do the same. |
| learning how to apply for SSI, it helps to know if you | | | | When learning how to qualify for SSI, it's a good idea |
| may qualify. There are several ways to find out how | | | | to take as much pertinent information to the meeting |
| to qualify for SSI. All too often, deserving claimants are | | | | with a social security representative as you can. Be |
| not told they are eligible by the Social Security | | | | sure to bring your social security card. Also bring your |
| Administration to receive compensation from SSI. The | | | | birth certificate or some other evidence of your age. |
| three primary criteria that allow people to apply for SSI | | | | Bring as much information about your current living |
| are need, disability and very few assets. | | | | situation as you can. That includes any information |
| Knowing how to qualify for SSI as a disabled person | | | | about where you live, your landlord's name, your lease |
| may be the trickiest to figure out. According to the | | | | or your mortgage. Anything related to your work and |
| Social Security Administration, disability is "the inability to | | | | finances is important as well. Take payroll slips, bank |
| engage in substantial gainful activity (work) by reason | | | | records, insurance policies, burial fund records and any |
| of any medically determinable physical or mental | | | | other pertinent financial information. It is also a good |
| impairment which has lasted or can be expected to | | | | idea to take along as much medical information as you |
| last a continuous period of not less than 12 months or | | | | can. This includes names of doctors, hospitals and |
| result in death". In other words, if some physical or | | | | clinics that have treated you, to show evidence of |
| mental obstacle is keeping you from working for longer | | | | why you are applying for SSI. |
| than a year, you may be disabled. If you have been | | | | When learning how to qualify for SSI, it's important to |
| found as disabled by the Social Security Administration, | | | | be aware that you have the right to appeal any |
| then you may be eligible for SSI. If you're not sure, then | | | | decisions made about your claim. If you think you have |
| the first step is to file a claim with the Social Security | | | | been unfairly denied a stipend you are eligible for, you |
| Administration. You may start this process at their | | | | can call the social security offices in your area and |
| Website | | | | request an appeal form. You can also request an |
| Another aspect of knowing how to qualify for SSI is | | | | appeal by visiting the social security Website. |
| one's income level. Knowing how to qualify for SSI | | | | Learning how to qualify for SSI can be confusing and |
| based on income may hinge on several factors. The | | | | challenging, but if you talk to the right people and |
| state of residence, the federal living arrangement and | | | | prepare accordingly, you can make it a quick and |
| the number of people living in a residence can all affect | | | | painless experience that has the potential to benefit |
| one's SSI eligibility. Most individuals can qualify if they | | | | you greatly. |