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Supplementary Security IncomeSupplementary Security Income is a monthly benefit paid by the federal Social Security Administration to people who are 65 or older, or blind, or have a disability and who have few assets and very low income. It is commonly known as “SSI”. Is It For Me?To get SSI, you must be 65 or older or blind or disabled. Children as well as adults can get these benefits due to blindness or disability. Disability is a physical or mental impairment that keeps a person from performing any “substantial” work and is expected to last 12 months or result in death. Blind means you are either totally blind or have very poor eyesight (corrected vision of 20/200 or less in the better eye or field of vision less than 20 degrees). When deciding if a child is disabled, Social Security looks at how his or her condition affects everyday life (For further information call Social Security’s toll-free number: 800-772-1213 or your local Social Security-office whose numbers and addresses are given below.) If you have a psychiatric disability you will need to have your psychiatrist fill out a medical report form. The form will ask your psychiatrist for a psychiatric history of your condition. The form will also ask for the following information.
Your psychiatric condition must be considered “severe” and must interfere with basic work-related activities for your claim to be considered. Additionally, in order to receive SSI benefits, there are limits on income. “Income” includes the following:
Social Security doesn’t count all of your income when they decide if you can get SSI. For example, they don’t count:
If you are disabled but work, Social Security has special rules and incentives to assist you in maintaining employment. You can also work and continue to receive SSI benefits. Social Security rules make it possible for you to test your ability to work without losing their cash or medical benefits. These rules are called “work incentives” and they may provide:
For more information about work incentives, ask any Social Security office for the publication: “A Summary Guide to Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Work Incentives for People with Disabilities.” Click here to go to a listing of Social Security offices in Westchester County. Also, since there is pending legislation regarding the liberalization of these work incentives, please click on to these web sites for up-to-date information: http://www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/ There is also a helpful web site that will assist you in determining whether you can be eligible for a “Pass Plan” which will assist you with work-related expenses. Please click on http://www.nls.org/pass-art.htm. There are also limitations on the cash value of your assets. The assets you own that Social Security considers include real estate, personal belongings, bank accounts, cash, and stocks and bonds. A person may be able to get SSI with assets worth up to $2,000. A couple may be able to get SSI with assets up to $3,000. Social Security doesn’t count everything you own. For example:
What Are the Benefits?SSI is a monthly cash benefit. The allotments vary from state to state. In New York State beginning with benefits payable in January 2008, the maximum cash benefit for an individual living alone is $724 and for a couple living with no one else, it is $1,060. There are special rules regarding SSI amounts for various living situations, and it’s best to call Social Security at 800-772-1213 to get information in making a determination for your specific situation. You can also log on to http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/11146.html to get the various SSI payments for your particular living situation. If you get SSI, you also may be able to get other help from New York State or your county. For example, you may be able to get Medicaid and maybe food stamps, or some other social services. For information about all the services available in your community, call your local social services office. Mount Vernon Center When Do the Benefits Apply?Social Security pays SSI disability benefits for the first full month after the date a person filed his or her claim, or if later, the date on which he or she becomes eligible for SSI. If you are deemed disabled, Social Security will usually review your disability within three years. If your income or assets rise above a certain level you can become ineligible for SSI. To determine those income and asset levels please call Social Security’s toll-free number at 800-772-1213 or call your local social security office listed below. How Do I Apply For the Benefit?You should call or visit your local Social Security office. The following is a listing of offices in Westchester County: 5 Stevens Avenue You can also call Social Security at 800-772-1213 for an appointment with a Social Security representative who will help you apply. You can speak to a service representative between the hours of 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM on business days. Parents or guardians can apply for blind or disabled children under 18. You should have the following things before you apply. Even if you don’t have all of the things listed, sign up anyway. The people at the Social Security office can help you get whatever is needed. Please bring:
Generally, application forms are filled out in your local Social Security Administration’s office. A personal interview is usually conducted, and the Social Security claims representative sends all the forms to the New York State Division of Disability Determinations. This is the state agency that does disability determinations for the federal Social Security Administration. If your initial application for benefits is denied, the New York State Division of Disability Determinations (DDD) will reconsider your application if you re-file an appeal. An appeal should be made within 60 days of a notice of denial. According to the New York State DDD, the average time for them to reconsider your claim is 45 days. If you are denied a second time, you can request an in-person hearing with a Federal Administrative Law Judge. Is There a Cost To Me?There is no cost to you. Who Provides the Benefit?The Supplementary Security Income (SSI) supplement is a federal benefit of the Social Security Administration, and New York State adds a cash supplement to the monthly cash amount. The amounts quoted above include the federal and state benefits. Return to the top of the page.
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