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Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

What?
SSI is monthly cash payments to people with low incomes and few resources. SSI payments are designed to bring a persons income up to a minimum level. The amount you receive each month will fluctuate, depending on increases and decreases in your earnings. If you receive SSI, you are also eligible for Medical Assistance (MA) at no cost, but you do need to apply for it. You do not have to have a previous work history to be eligible for SSI. SSI looks at a familys total household income and assets to determine eligibility. Any changes in income need to be reported to your local SSA office to prevent over & under payments.
What if my SSI application is denied? You can appeal the decision if your SSI application is denied. This must be done within 60 days of receiving the denial notice. About 60% of all SSI disability applications are denied the first time. If you are approved for SSI benefits, you can receive up to one years worth of payments for time prior to the application, starting at the time of the official disability. You may want to contact an advocacy organization or attorney to help with the appeal process. The MN Disability Law Center and Arc are good places to start.

Who?
Adults who are blind or disabled, or age 65 or older with little or no income and resources. For a child to qualify, he or she must have a physical or mental condition that very seriously limits his/her activities; and the condition must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least one year or result in death.

How?
To apply, call toll free 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and schedule an appointment with a representative to fill out the paperwork. Applications for SSI are also available online. It takes about three to five months for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to decide a persons SSI disability claim. You can speed up this decision by being prepared for the appointment by bringing any necessary documents to your local SSA office. These documents include medical documentation of disability, current medical records, and reports on any medical or psychological testing done within the past year.

Where?
For more information, visit the Social Security website or call toll free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).