How can I obtain Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability (SSD) Benefits?

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What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

SSI stands for “Supplemental Security Income.” You can get SSI if you are disabled,

blind, or age 65 and older. You must be low-income and have limited resources. Blind and disabled minors can receive SSI, too. 

What is Social Security Disability (SSD)?

SSD stands for “Social Security Disability.” It’s also referred to as SSDI, or “Social Security Disability Insurance.” SSD pays benefits to people with disabilities who have worked long enough and recently enough, and who have paid Social Security taxes. 

How can I apply for SSI and SSD?

• Make sure you meet the standard to be eligible for SSI and SSD. You must have a medical condition that keeps you from working and you must either be a United States citizen, a Legal Permanent Resident, commonly known as a green card holder, or have Qualified Alien status.

• Make sure you are within the program’s resource limits. Resources are any money you have in the bank, cash on hand, or other assets (including real property). SSD does not have any resource limits. You can apply for the program regardless of your or your spouse’s income, cash on hand, or assets.

• Make sure you have work history as required by the program. For SSI, if you became a Legal Permanent Resident after 1996, you must have worked on the books for 10 years in the United States in order to qualify, or be a Qualified Alien. If you are a citizen, then this is not a requirement. For SSD, you have to have worked on the books for a certain number of years in order to be eligible. The number of years is based on your age; it’s best to talk to an advocate or to SSA to see if you have enough work history to qualify.

• Gather proof of your income, resources, and disability to present to the Social Security Administration. Let’s start with income and resources. These documents prove you are financially eligible to receive these benefits. These include: proof of income (like pay stubs and tax returns for yourself and your spouse); bank statements; savings statements; information on assets you own, like a car or home; letters from friends and family members who provide you with financial assistance; rent or mortgage information; and life insurance policies with a cash surrender value.
  

Now, let’s talk about health documents. These are very important because they show that you have a condition that qualifies you for SSI or SSD. You can request medical records — including emergency room and inpatient records, psychiatric records, physical therapy records, and pain management records — from the records department of your hospital, clinic, or doctor. 

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* The information does not constitute legal advice. You should always consult an attorney regarding your matter. Legal help subject to capacity and location.