You may be wondering if you are eligible for SSI. If you are indeed able to receive it, you might not know how to apply. Luckily the process is not so complicated when you know what you need to do, and it can make a big difference to you and your families’ lives.
What is the SSI?
SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income, an organization which is run by the Social Security Administration. It is paid monthly and differs from Social Security Benefits. In fact if you are entitled to SSI, chances are you will also be eligible for the later. However the two benefits are quite different. The SSI is not based on your family history and you are still able to apply for support medically and for food assistance if you are approved.
Eligibility
In order to be deemed eligible for SSI an individual must be 65 years or over, blind or disabled. They must also legally reside in the United States, are the child of military parents, or be a student living abroad temporarily. The individual must also have an income and resources below a certain amount, and of course they must apply for SSI. You must also not leave the country for 30 days or more, and you have to be a US citizen (although there are exceptions for certain non-citizens).
Children are eligible for SSI if they meet the requirement as stipulated; their disability must be seen to affect their life on a day-to-day basis. In terms of your income, the amount you are allowed to earn whilst still receiving the SSI is dependent on your location. It is worth noting that not all aspects of your income are taken into account. In Florida, the current amount available for an individual receiving SSI is $733 a month, $1,100 for couple.
How Do I Apply?
In Florida, there are a few different ways to apply for the SSI. The application can be completed at your nearest Social Security Office if this is convenient for you. It is advisable to call ahead and schedule an appointment, as you can have an individual to assist you. You may prefer to download forms from the Social Security Administration website, or you may wish to do your application online. If you opt for the later, there are requirements to be met including being between the ages of 18 and 65 and not having applied for the SSI in the past (check the Social Security Administration’s website for more details) If you are applying on behalf of a child or are over the age of 65, then the online option is unfortunately not available to you.
If your application is not approved then you do have the option to appeal, which you are also able to do online.