SSI Supplemental Security Income

What is it?
SSI is a cash benefit program for low-income people who are 65 or older, blind or disabled.

Who can qualify

• You are 65 or older, OR
• You are blind, any age, and the vision in your best eye is no better than 20/200 with glasses or your tunnel vision is 20% or less, OR
• You are a disabled adult by SSI standards
• Your physical or mental impairments can be expected to keep you, or have kept you, from working for 12 continuous months or can be expected to result in death
• You are a child under 18 who has a marked and severe physical or mental disability that would keep you from working if you were an adult, or it significantly interferes with your daily activities
• You can’t get SSI if based on an alcohol or drug dependency, unless you can qualify for SSI on some other basis as well, such as liver or kidney problems
• Your countable income must not be above the maximum benefit level
• Your resources cannot be more than $2000, or $3000 for a couple

What you get

• Monthly cash benefits
• Free Medi-Cal
• You cannot get Food Stamps with SSI

How to apply
Go to your local Social Security office or call 800-772-1213 to make an appointment

Your rights when you apply

• You have a right to apply, they cannot deny you verbally
• You can ask for a free interpreter
• You may bring a friend, family member or advocate to any appointment