Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Overview
SSI is a needs-based program. SSI benefits provide a minimum income level for individuals who have limited resources and little or no income, and who are “blind,” “aged,” or “disabled.”
The SSI payment is designed to bring a person’s income up to a certain minimum level. People who receive SSI can have earnings and still receive SSI payments. The maximum monthly SSI payment in 2010 for an individual is $674 and $1,011 for a couple. This is called the Federal Benefit Rate or FBR.
Eligibility
When applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or any other program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), SSA will determine which programs, if any, you qualify for. If you are not eligible for SSI, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or retirement benefits.
SSA will consider the extent of your disability, your previous work history, your current earnings, your assets, and your age when determining which benefits are appropriate for you.
What should I know about SSI?
- Monthly SSI payments fluctuate with increases and decreases in earnings, based on a set formula. SSI calculates payments based on the money received each month.
- People who receive SSI are also eligible for Medical Assistance (MA) health care coverage at no cost.
- It is possible to earn enough to reduce your SSI check to $0 and still be eligible for MA at no cost. (See 1619b)
- You do not need a prior work history to receive SSI.
- SSI is the only program administered by SSA that has an asset limit ($2,000 for an individual).
- The start and stop of work, and even small changes in income, need to be reported to your local SSA office to prevent overpayments and underpayments.
- The rules for SSI are very different than those for SSDI. Be sure you know which benefit you receive!
Click here for a fact sheet on SSI Work Incentives.
For more information on SSI benefits, contact the MN Work Incentives Connection.
