96.006: Supplemental Security Income
Alternate Name: Supplemental Security Income
Overview
Program Number
96.006
Status
Inactive
Last Modified
Sept. 19, 2018
Date Posted
Sept. 19, 2018
Objective
To ensure a minimum level of income to persons who have attained age 65 or are blind or disabled, and whose income and resources are below specified levels.
Type of Assistance
D - Direct Payments with Unrestricted Use
Applicant Eligibility
To be found disabled for SSI purposes: an individual age 18 or older must be unable to perform any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months; an individual under age 18 must have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment or combination of impairments that causes marked and severe functional limitations, and that can be expected to cause death or that has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months. An individual under age 18 who files a new application for benefits and is engaging in substantial gainful activity will not be considered disabled. To be found blind for SSI purposes, an individual of any age must be statutorily blind. This means central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with use of a correcting lens. The eligibility of an individual who has attained age 65 or who is blind or disabled is determined on the basis of an assessment of the individual's monthly income and resources, citizenship or alien status, U.S. residency, and certain other eligibility requirements. In determining a month's income, the first $20 of Social Security or other unearned income is not counted. An additional $65 of earned income ($85 if the person had no unearned income) received in a month plus one-half of the remainder above $65 (or $85) also is not counted. If, after these (and other) exclusions, an individual's countable income, effective January 2018, is less than $750 per month ($1,125 for a couple, both of whom are aged, blind or disabled) and countable resources are less than $2,000 ($3,000 for a couple), the individual may be eligible for payments. The values of household goods, personal effects, an automobile, life insurance, and property needed for self support are, if within limits set out in regulations, excluded in determining value of resources. Burial spaces for an individual and immediate family and burial funds, up to $1,500 each for an individual and spouse, are excluded from resources. The value of a home which serves as the principal place of residence is also excluded in resource valuation.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Individuals who have attained age 65 or are blind or disabled, who continue to meet the income and resources tests, citizenship/qualified alien status, U.S. residence, and certain other requirements. Eligibility may continue for beneficiaries who engage in substantial gainful activity despite disabling physical or mental impairments.
Related Programs
Additional Information
Grant Awards
Supplemental Security Income direct grants
Grant Opportunities