Supplemental Security Income
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to people with disabilities and older adults who have little or no income or resources.
SSI has two programs, one for adults and one for children (up to age 18).
Children: To quality for SSI benefits, children must have an impairment that has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months and that causes “marked and severe functional limitations.” The child’s family must have very low income and resources. When the child turns 18, SSA will make a determination regarding whether or not he or she is eligible for SSI adult benefits.
Adults: To qualify for SSI benefits, you must have an impairment that prevents you from working on a regular and sustained basis. In addition, you must have very low income, resources and assets; to be exact, you cannot have more than $2,000 in assets. Spousal rules are in place as well; if you are married, your spouse must also have very low income, resources and assets. A couple may not have more than $3,000 in assets.
Apply for SSI
Before applying, consider the eligibility requirements
Individuals may be eligible for Disability if they have:
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A disability or blindness, and
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Enough work history.
Information we'll ask you to provide
Applying for SSI
Other ways to apply
Set up an appointment
Available in most U.S. time zones Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., in English, Spanish, and other languages.
Call +1 800-772-1213
Tell the agent you want to set up an appointment to apply for benefits. They'll schedule it and determine whether it'll be on the phone or in person.
Call TTY +1 800-325-0778 if you're deaf or hard of hearing.
