Supplemental Security Income

If you have a child suffering from a medical condition you may be able to receive Supplemental Security Income benefits for your child. The condition is not limited to medical diseases but can include behavioral and learning disorders.

If your child meets the medical requirements for SSI, your household will also have to meet certain income requirements. Social Security will consider the wages earned by both parents, money in the bank, and the value of any retirement accounts, investments, and additional property other than your primary residence. Vehicles you own will also be counted as resources; Social Security will exclude one vehicle form he resource count.

In order to meet the resource qualifications for SSI benefits the countable value of your resources which includes cash, investments, countable vehicles and property, must not be worth more than $2,000. If you have money in the bank that puts you over this resource limit you do have the option of spending this money down in order to qualify. You can use the money for any purpose; once you are below the $2,000 resource limit your child may become eligible for SSI benefits.

It may seem like a big hassle to be approved for SSI; however, once your child is eligible to receive SSI you will also be enrolled in Medicaid through your State. Medicaid will pay for your child’s medical expenses including prescription medication. You may also qualify for food stamps. To find out more about qualifying for SSI benefits in your state contact Social Security at their toll-free number.

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If you are over the age of 65 and have limited income and resources you may be eligible for SSI benefits in addition to any Social Security benefits you may already be receiving.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federally subsidized program for the disabled or elderly that meet certain income requirements. If you qualify, you could receive as much as $603 per month as an individual or $904 per month as a couple. Some States such as California and New York pay an additional amount on top of the Federal amount.

If you are over the age of 65 you are not required to meet the disability requirements to receive SSI; however, you will have to meet income and resources requirements. Resources are limits on the things that you own or money you have in the bank. Social Security will not count all of your belongings; however, they will consider things like multiple vehicles and property you own. Social Security will exclude one vehicle and the home you live in.

The resource limit also applies to money you have in the bank, stocks, and savings bonds. To be eligible you will need to have less than $2,000 for an individual or 3,000 for a couple.

To find out if you qualify for SSI benefits as an elderly individual or couple you will need to schedule an appointment with a Social Security representative. Social Security will not usually require you to go into the Social Security office for this appointment; you can schedule a telephone appointment to apply for your SSI benefits.

To apply for SSI benefits contact Social Security at their toll-free number: 1-800-772-1213.

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A common question for residents of the State of California receiving SSI benefits is: “Why didn’t I get a raise this year?” The reason for this is that the Governor of California suspended the Cost of Living Increase (COLA).

How did this happen?

If you receive SSI benefits in California you may be receiving payment from two sources. The Federal government pays $603 per month for SSI benefits in every State. You may not be eligible for the full amount depending on your income and living arrangement; however the maximum Federal amount in 2006 is $603. States like California pay a supplement to the Federal amount because the cost of living is so high in these states.

In California Governor Schwarzenegger lowered the State’s contribution by the amount of the Federal increase, approximately $24. For most people this caused no change in the amount they received from SSI from 2005 to 2006. (The Federal amount went up $24 and the State amount went down $24)

Some Californians are not eligible for the Federal amount in their SSI check due to other income or their living arrangement. These individuals actually saw a decrease in their SSI amount because the amount the State was paying was lowered by the amount of the Federal increase. (Approximately $24)

Can anything be done about this?

If you’re unhappy about this don’t vote to re-elect Arnold Schwarzenegger in the next election.

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