Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
benefitsAlso known as: SSI, supplemental security income
Updated · Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev
Detailed explanation
Resource limit: $2,000 individual, $3,000 couple — counts most assets except primary home, one vehicle, household goods, burial fund. Unchanged since 1989 (multiple legislative attempts to raise it have failed). Income reduces benefit dollar-for-dollar above $20/month unearned and $65/month earned exclusion (then 50¢ reduction per dollar earned). Categorically eligible for Medicaid in most states. Application via SSA can take 3-5 months for initial decision. Children with disabilities qualify if family income/resources are limited. SSI does NOT require work history (unlike SSDI) — useful for adults who became disabled before working enough quarters or never worked.
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