Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a cash assistance program administered by Social Security for people with disabilities and the elderly. Here is what you need to know about applying for SSI, getting approved, and keeping your benefits.

The first thing to understand about SSI is that this is a completely different program than Social Security Disability. SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income. You will also hear it called Title 16 benefits, which refers to the legislation that provides Federal tax dollars for the program. Because Federal taxes pay for SSI benefits there are strict rules regarding the income requirements for the program.

SSI does not have the work requirements to qualify like Social Security Disability. The basic requirements for SSI is that you have a disability that will prevent you from working for twelve months or longer. Your disability will be evaluated by an agency of the State you reside; if you meet the medical requirements for SSI your local Social Security office will evaluate your household income and assets to see if you qualify to get a check.

There are income and resource limits for the SSI program. A resource is any money you have in the bank, any property you own other than the home you live in, any vehicles you have over one, and any retirement or investment accounts you have. If you are an individual person receiving SSI your resources are limited to $2,000. Couples where husband and wife are both receiving SSI benefits have a $3,000 resources limit. If you go over these amounts Social Security will not pay you SSI for any month you are over your limit.

To apply for SSI you need to call Social Security and schedule an appointment. Social Security will require proof of citizenship to apply for SSI; you will need to provide your birth certificate or unexpired passport at the time of your appointment. SSI has strict citizenship requirements to receive benefits. There are certain circumstances where non-citizens who have refugee status in the United States can receive SSI; however, in most cases you do need to be a US citizen in order to qualify. To learn more about qualifying and applying for SSI, visit the website SocialSecurityLaidBare.com.