Understanding the eligibility requirements for SSI benefits

For people in North Carolina who are suffering from an illness, condition or injury and meet the necessary financial requirements, Supplemental Security Income through the Social Security disability program is available. However, it is vital that those who are seeking benefits understand those requirements and know whether they meet them. There are several factors that go into determining whether a person can get SSI benefits.

An applicant must meet the income threshold. The income encompasses everything that the person earns, any Social Security benefits, pensions, the value of items received from someone else like shelter and food. The location where a person resides also has an influence on the income a person can have before getting SSI. Each state has different criteria.

That which the person owns will be considered. If the resources for an individual do not go beyond $2,000 or $3,000 for a married couple that resides together, then it is possible to get SSI. Not everything is counted when the decision is made. A house will not count if the person owns and lives there. A car will usually not be counted either. Other assets will be counted.

A person must be a resident of the United States or Northern Mariana Islands. Non-citizens who are living legally in the U.S. might be able to get SSI. When seeking SSI, it is necessary for the applicant to also try to get other government benefits such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food and Medicaid for medical care.

When considering seeking SSI benefits, it is imperative to know about the eligibility requirements. If there is confusion or an issue when applying, speaking to an experienced legal professional is a wise decision. A lawyer who knows about SSI Supplemental Security Income can help with a case from start to finish.

Source: ssa.gov, “You May Be Able to Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — How do you qualify for SSI? page 2-3,” accessed on July 11, 2017