Part 2 - Rules For Getting SSI

Your Income And The Things You Own

Whether you can get SSI also depends on what you own and how much income you have. Income is the money you have coming in, such as wages, Social Security benefits and pensions. Income also includes non-cash items you receive, such as food, clothing or shelter.

If you're married, we also look at the income of your spouse and the things he or she owns. If you're under 18, we may look at the income of your parents and the things they own. And, if you're a sponsored alien, we also may look at the income of your sponsor and what he or she owns.

Income
The amount of income you can have each month and still get SSI depends partly on where you live. You can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to find out the income limits in your state. Social Security doesn't count all of your income when they decide if you can get SSI. For example, they don't count:

• the first $20 of most income received in a month;
• the first $65 a month you earn from working and half the amount over $65;
• food stamps;
• most food, clothing, or shelter you get from private nonprofit organizations; and
• most home energy assistance.

If you are a student, some of your wages or scholarships you receive may not count.
If you are disabled but work, Social Security does not count any wages you use to pay for items or services you need to work because of your disability. For example, if you need a wheelchair, the wages you use to pay for the wheelchair don't count as income.

Also, Social Security does not count any wages a blind person uses to pay expenses that are caused by working. For example, if a blind person uses wages to pay for transportation to and from work, the transportation cost isn't counted as income.

If you're disabled or blind, some of the income you use (or save) for training or to buy things you need to work or earn more money may not count.

The Things You Own
The things you own that SSA considers includes items such as real estate, personal belongings, bank accounts, cash, stocks and bonds.  A person may be able to get SSI with items worth up to $2,000. A couple may be able to get SSI with items worth up to $3,000. If you own property or another resource that you are trying to sell, you may be able to get SSI while trying to sell it.
Social Security doesn't count everything you own. For example:

• the home you live in and the land it's on do not count.
• your personal and household goods and life insurance policies may not count, depending on their value.
• your car usually does not count.
• burial plots for you and members of your immediate family do not count.
• up to $1,500 in burial funds for you and up to $1,500 in burial funds for your spouse may not count.
• if you are blind or have a disability, some items may not count if you plan to use them to work or earn extra income.

A Special Note For People Who Are Blind Or Have A Disability

If you work, there are special rules to help you. You may be able to keep getting some money from SSI while you work. But as you earn more money, your SSI may go down or stop. Even if your SSI stops, you may be able to keep your Medicaid coverage.

You also may be able to set aside some of your money for a work goal or to go to school. The people at Social Security can tell you how to do this. The money you set aside doesn't count toward the SSI limits on income and the things you own. That means it won't reduce the amount of your SSI.

Blind or disabled people who apply for SSI may get special services from their state. These services include counseling, job training, and help in finding work.

Other Rules You Must Meet

Before you can get SSI, you also must meet other rules.

• You must live in the U.S. or Northern Mariana Islands.
• You must be a U.S. citizen or national. (Some noncitizens can qualify for SSI).
• If you're eligible for Social Security or other benefits, you must apply for them. (You can get SSI and Social Security if you're eligible for both.)
• If you're disabled, you must accept vocational rehabilitation services if they're offered.

If You Live In A Public Or Private Institution

People who live in city or county rest homes, halfway houses, or other public institutions usually cannot get SSI. But there are some exceptions.

• If you live in a publicly operated community residence which serves no more than 16 people, you may get SSI.
• If you live in a public institution mainly to attend approved educational or job training that will help you get a job, you may get SSI.
• If you're living in a public emergency shelter for the homeless, you may be able to get SSI.
• If you're in a public or private institution and Medicaid is paying more than half the cost of your care, you may get a small SSI benefit.