- SSI is a monthly amount paid by the Social Security Administration to help individuals who are elderly, blind or otherwise disabled and have little to no income. These payments are to be used to provide beneficiaries with the staples they need. The program is administered by the SSA but is funded by general federal tax revenues, not Social Security taxes.
- To qualify for SSI assistance, you need to be older than 64, blind or disabled. For the purposes of the SSI program, disabled means any physical or mental impairment that limits a person's ability to function in society and either will result in death or will last continuously for longer than a year. You must also have limited income and resources to qualify. Income includes any wages you receive from your employment, money received from any other source and benefits you may receive such as free food and shelter. Resources include cash and personal property. Income limits vary by state, but couples can only own up to $3,000 in resources, while individuals can have up to $2000. You are also required to apply for all other benefit options available to you for before you can apply for SSI.
- There is no limitation based on relationships and receiving SSI funds; if both you and your wife qualify for SSI, you can both receive benefits regardless of the status of the other. However, when the SSA makes a determination about your assets and income it will consider you and your wife jointly. As a result, while you may both may have qualified for benefits individually and separately, your combined resources may prevent either of you from getting benefits.
- The U.S. government provides additional benefits for disabled individuals beyond Social Security programs. These programs provide aid beyond money for basic needs and include subsidizing services such as home care. Also, if you are a veteran, you may qualify for additional funds. When applying for SSI benefits, consult with an adviser from the SSA or an advocacy group that works with the elderly or disabled. They can provide you with additional insight based on your specific set of circumstances.
- Every effort has been made to ensure this article's accuracy, but it is not intended to be legal advice.