Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a strictly need-based program based on income and assets and is funded by general tax funds. It does not derive its funding from the Social Security Administration funds, though both are under the management of the Social Security Administration.
Another thing common between the two is that both programs determine medical eligibility for disability in the same manner. It is a strictly need-based program based on the assets held by the potential beneficiary or their income. The funds come in from the general tax funds and not from the Social Security trust funds.
The supplemental security income payments are not linked to work history and are based strictly on the financial needs of the family. To be eligible for the SSI income requirements, the potential beneficiary must have assets less than $2,000 for individuals, or $3,000 for couples. They must also have a very limited income.
Disabled people who are deemed eligible under the income requirements as stipulated under the income program are also eligible for Medicaid or the state they reside in. People who qualify for SSI benefits are also usually qualified for food stamps. Also, the amount the eligible person receives is linked to their pace of residence and the money that they only monthly or on any other regular basis. The supplemental security income benefits are counted on the first of the month when a beneficiary first submits their application.
In most states, SSI beneficiaries are also eligible for medical assistance, known as Medicaid. This pays for doctor’s bills, hospital payments, prescribed drugs, and other forms of health costs.
Several states also provide supplemental payments to certain recipients of SSI benefits. They may also be eligible for food assistance while in some states, the supplemental security income application is also considered an application for food assistance.
The SSI benefits come in on the first day of each month. To receive the check, the beneficiary must be blind, disabled, or must be 65 years or above. They must also have limited resources and income. In addition, a qualifier for the SSI benefits must also be a qualified alien or a US national or citizen.
The point where the Social Security and SSI payments are alike is few. One is that both programs send out money every month. Further, the medical standards stipulated in case of any disability are almost the same in both programs for those aged 18 years or above. The medical standard for disability is also generally alike for both the Social Security payments and the SSI payments in the case of adults aged 18 years and above.
For children who fight from birth to the attainment of 18 years, the definition of disability is different under supplemental security income. The medical standard stipulated is based on the severity of the disability. At this stage of eligibility, financial need does not come into play.
SSI Payments In February
The recipients of Supplemental Security Income will receive their next round of payment on February 1. The SSI benefits usually go out on the first date of the month unless it happens to be a weekend. In such an eventuality, the payments will be issued the Friday before.
For those who have not received their supplemental security income payment on the expected date, the Social Security Administration has said that three extra days should be allowed for postal delays. For 2023, the SSA has calculated the federal SSI benefit money by deducting countable unearned and also earned income from the maximum federal benefit amount. The maximum amount comes to $914 for an eligible individual, $1,371 for married couples, and $458 for an essential person.
The check amount of the maximum SSI payable is based on the cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs), which in turn are linked to inflation. The general increase in 2023 is thanks to an 8.7% COLA, which was announced by the SSA.
The supplemental security income essential person is someone who lives with an SSI beneficiary and provides essential care to a primary beneficiary. This could include a child taking care of their parents or a live-in caretaker for an elderly person.
The requirements around the definition of an essential person are strict. Thus, one needs to make sure that they have those essential documents before going for SSI benefits.
Some States Give Added Essential SSI Benefits
Several states have added to the benefits provided by the supplemental security income and given additional benefits to its residents. The amount that the beneficiaries receive varies as they are based on income, living arrangements, and various other factors.
This indicates that the exact amount that the beneficiaries receive is linked to where they are. Some of the states and US territories that do not pay any additional supplements to SSI recipients include North Dakota, Mississippi, Arkansas, Arizona, Tennessee, West Virginia, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Applying For The SSI
The easiest way to apply for the SSI is to go for requesting an appointment to file your benefits. Beneficiaries can request an appointment for themselves or for someone they may be helping. The federal representatives can answer questions, explain the needed documents, and generally guide applicants through the application process.
The data needed to file an appointment includes the submitted name, date of birth, mailing address, email address (optional), and phone number if the person wants to apply for the SSI. The name, phone number, and email address of the person who is taking care of the excess.
You can also go in for the online application form. Before you move ahead with the process, you must review the basics and make sure that you have understood what to expect and the information and documents you would need to complete the application.
The reports are to be submitted to Social Security if the beneficiary also gets SSI benefits to include reporting changes in the monthly income and resources. If people fail to report changes accurately and timely, they may end up being underpaid and not receiving the right amount. The beneficiary might even end up being overpaid and they would have to give a part of the income to them. Beneficiaries making false claims may end up being prosecuted. The payments would also be decked by $25 to $100 for each hour lost and even a sanction.
