Step 1: Understanding SSI

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Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program for children and adults who have disabilities. If you meet the medical and financial criteria for the SSI program, you may qualify for SSI benefits which include a monthly SSI payment and medical insurance through the Social Security program. The exact amount of money that you will receive each month through the SSI program depends on your household income and assets.

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Not all income is counted toward the SSI limit in the deeming process. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, pension from the Department of Veterans Affairs, general public assistance payments, foster care payments for ineligible children, and income used to make court-ordered support payments are not used during the deeming process.

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In addition, not all household resources are used during the deeming process. Your family’s home, one vehicle that is used for transportation, and money allocated to pension funds are not counted toward household assets.

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For the income that is counted during the deeming process, the SSA only counts a portion of the income as being deemed toward the child. As a result, not all income that is counted for the parents will actually go toward the SSI eligibility limits.

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For more information on qualifying for SSI benefits click here.

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Step 2: Understanding if You Medically Qualify for SSI

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In addition to meeting financial requirements in order to be eligible for SSI benefits, you must also meet the medical eligibility criteria of the SSI program. According to the Social Security Administration, a person is only determined to be disabled if:

• The person has a physical or mental condition that very seriously limits his or her activities; and

• The condition has lasted or is expected to last at least 1 year or result in death.

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In addition, the SSA publishes a list of disabling conditions that could qualify a person for Social Security Disability benefits. This publication is known as the Blue Book (https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/) In addition to listing all of the conditions that could qualify an individual for Social Security Disability benefits, the publication also lists all of the criteria that must be met in order to qualify under each individual listing. Prior to applying for benefits, you should research the Blue Book listing that you will qualify under. This will help you understand how the SSA will determine whether or not you are eligible for benefits and what medical evidence you should furnish along with your application for benefits.

Step 3: Preparing for the Application Process

If you want to increase your chances of being approved for SSI benefits, you need to properly prepare for the application process. Prior to applying for benefits, you need to gather copies of your medical records. Clinical histories, treatment histories, and lab results should all be provided to the SSA when applying for benefits so you should ensure that you have copies of these records ready prior to submitting your application. You should also try to obtain written statements from your treating physicians. In addition to medical records, you should also gather financial records such as bank statements and paycheck stubs to prove your financial eligibility for SSI benefits. Once you have all of the medical and financial records gathered and organized and you understand the Blue Book listing of the condition that you qualify under, you can move forward and apply for benefits.

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Step 4: Applying for SSI Benefits

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You can now file for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) online but only if you meet certain requirements. You are eligible to file online for SSI if you:

• Are between the ages of 18 and 65;

• Have never been married;

• Aren’t blind;

• Are a U.S. citizen residing in one of the fifty states, District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands;

• Haven’t applied for or received SSI benefits in the past; and

• Are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance at the same time as your SSI claim. Find out if you are eligible to receive Social Security Disability Benefits.

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https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/dib

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When applying for benefits, you will be asked to fill out a number of forms. It is imperative that you fill out these forms in their entirety and with as much detail as possible. Simple yes or no answers will not suffice on the SSI application. You want the answers you provide to show just how your disability limits your daily activities and development so the adjudicator reviewing the claim will better understand how you qualify for benefits.

• Once you finish the online process, a Social Security representative will contact you for any additional information needed for the applications.

• You can also schedule an appointment with a local Social Security office to file an application. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) from  7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday or contact your local Social Security office.

• Learn more and start the disability process at our Disability Benefits page.

Step 5: Receiving a Decision

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You should receive a decision from the SSA within two to four months of submitting your child’s completed SSI application. If approved, you will receive a notice stating how much your child will be receiving monthly and when benefits will begin. If your initial application is denied, you have 60 days from the date you receive the denial notice to appeal the SSA’s decision.

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When appealing a denial of SSI benefits, you may want to consider retaining the services of a disability attorney or seeking the assistance of an Independent Living Counselor at your local Independent Living Center.