The Disability Law Center

 

 

 

 Supplemental Security Income

A PROGRAM OF CASH SUPPORT FOR THOSE UNABLE TO WORK

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides a monthly cash benefit to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability, are blind, or elderly. SSI is a "needs based" federal welfare program providing benefits to those with little income and resources upon which to rely.

In order to qualify for benefits an individual must have a physical and/or mental impairment that prevents the ability to work for, at least, a period of 12 months. An individual claiming blindness must meet a strict vision standard but may qualify as "disabled" if unable to meet the strict blindness standard. An elderly individual is considered to be someone 65 or older. A child with a disability may also be eligible for SSI but the income and resources of the child’s parent(s) will be considered.

All applicants for SSI must have little or no income and less than $2000 in resources ($3000 if a couple). Certain resources do not count toward this $2000 limit - those include, the home you live in and a car.

Applications for SSI must be filed with the local Social Security Office. It is generally a good idea to call for an appointment or begin the application process by phone. An applicant must fully cooperate in order for an application to be processed. Collecting medical records from doctors, hospitals and counselors will go far to assist SSA in their processing of an application. The initial application process can take between 3 and 6 months. If denied, a notice of appeal rights will accompany the denial notice. A denial must be appealed within 60 days of the notice. If an appeal is filed SSA will reconsider the application and collect new and updated medical evidence. An applicant may be asked to visit with a doctor for an examination. If the reconsidered application is denied, a hearing can be requested within 60 days of the denial. It is at the hearing stage that most applications are approved. The hearing will allow an applicant to talk with the person making the decision unlike the earlier reviews. With the assistance of a trained advocate the chances of success at hearing are very good.

For more information call or write the Disability Law Center, 11 Beacon St., Ste. 925, Boston, MA 01208 - (617)72-8455, (800)872-9992, TTY (617)227-9464, (800)381-0577.

E-mail: mail@dlc-ma.org.

 

SSI Reporting Requirements

What You Need to Tell SSA and When

All SSI recipients, a recipient’s representative payee, and/or the parent of an SSI child are required to report certain events that may affect SSI eligibility to the Social Security Administration. Any event that may affect the amount of benefits or continued eligibility must be reported to SSA as soon as the event happens. SSA will consider a report late if it is not made within 10 days of the end of the month in which the event occurs. For example:

Marion moves from her home to the home of her adult children on September 14th. This move may result in a lower SSI payment as a result of Marion’s change in living arrangements. Marion must report this event to SSA. If the report is not made by October 10th (10 days after the end of September - the month of her move), SSA will consider the report late.

Events that may affect SSI eligibility or the amount of benefits payable to a recipient include:

  • A change of address,

     

  •  A change in living arrangement (you move in with someone),

  • A change in income (you get a job, win the lottery),

  • A change in resources (you inherit property),

  • You become eligible for other benefits,

  • A change in marital status,

  • You enter a hospital, public institution, private institution,

  • A change in school attendance,

  • You leave the United States temporarily or permanently.

While reports can be made by calling the local SSA office, it is best to make a report in writing. Always include the name of the SSI recipient, the recipient’s social security number, and the event to be reported. Include your name if you are making a report on behalf of someone else. Always include the DATE of the report and KEEP A COPY OF THE REPORT FOR YOUR RECORDS.

For more information, call or email the Disability Law Center.

(617)723-8455 or (800)872-9992. TTY (617)227-9464 or (800)381-0577

 

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