Who can get SSI (2024)

FAQs

Who can get SSI? ›

To get SSI, you must be at least 65 years old, blind, or have a disability, and have “limited” income and resources.

Adults and children might be eligible for SSI if they have: Little or no income, and. Little or no resources, and. A disability, blindness, or are age 65 or older.

For someone to meet the SSI eligibility requirements, income must fall below a monthly maximum of $1,971 if the income is only from wages and $963 if it is income that is not from wages. Couples whose income is only from wages can earn up to $2,915 a month.

Arthritis and other musculoskeletal system disabilities make up the most commonly approved conditions for social security disability benefits. This is because arthritis is so common.

The amount of SSI disability benefits that you'll receive is determined by several factors, including whether you're married, whether your state pays a state supplement that increases your payment, and whether you have any countable income that decreases your payment.

Some American workers do not qualify for Social Security retirement benefits. Workers who don't accrue the requisite 40 credits (roughly 10 years of employment) are not eligible for Social Security. Some government and railroad employees are not eligible for Social Security.

Here are 5 of the most common SSI denial reasons: You didn't return all the necessary forms to the SSA. Your medical conditions would not last at least 1 year. Your assets or income are over the limit.

For example, if someone pays an individual's medical bills, or offers free medical care, or if the individual receives money from a social services agency that is a repayment of an amount he/she previously spent, that value is not considered income to the individual.

What illness automatically qualifies for disability? ›

Common Disabilities That Are Difficult to Prove

Mental Health Disorders: Certain mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other personality disorders can be difficult to prove. Their effects fluctuate over time, and each condition affects a person differently.

The maximum monthly SSI payment for 2024 is $943 for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Your amount may be lower based on your income, certain family members' income, your living situation, and other factors.

We may reduce your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment by one-third if you live in another person's household throughout a month and you do not pay for the food and shelter you get from the household.

A couple can get SSI if they have unearned income of less than $1,435 a month in 2024. Because a larger portion of earned income isn't counted, a person who gets SSI can earn up to $1,971 a month ($2,915 for a couple) and still get SSI.

The basic monthly SSI payment for 2024 is the same nationwide. It is: —$943 for one person. —$1,415 for a couple.

The main difference between Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is that SSI is an entitlement program with no work-related requirements, whereas SSDI is an earned benefit that has work requirements to qualify. Both programs pay monthly benefits to people with disabilities.

While both have specific requirements for approval, it's usually easier to get approved for SSDI because of a credible work history and health plan.

Many people who are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may also be entitled to receive Social Security benefits. In fact, the application for SSI benefits is also an application for Social Security benefits.

The maximum monthly SSI payment for 2024 is $943 for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Your amount may be lower based on your income, certain family members' income, your living situation, and other factors.