How Other Benefits may Affect Your SSI Claims
Generally, supplemental security income (SSI) is given to poor and deserving individuals through funds from the federal Social Security Administration. These persons often include those who are deprived and unemployed, people who are 65 or older, as well the blind and disabled people of any age, including children. To qualify, one must satisfy the following requirements: - have little or no income and few resources
- the value of one’s possessions must be less than $2,000 if he is single or less than $3,000 if he is married
- a claimant must also apply for any other cash benefits you may be able to get
- He must be living in the United States or the Northern Mariana Islands. However, if he is not a U.S. citizen, but a resident, he still may be able to get SSI.
One’s supplemental security income claims may be affected by other benefits that he receives from the state or federal government. For instance, an SSI claimant in California may not be able to get food stamps because the state adds money to the federal SSI payment. However, he may still avail of this benefit under the following conditions: - If your application for SSI is denied
- If you move to another state
- While you are waiting for a decision on your SSI application
Because the state government usually adds money to the amount of federal SSI payment, the single payment that a California claimant regularly receives at the beginning of each month may include both payments from state and federal governments. Aside from this, he is automatically entitled to medical assistance benefits through Medi-Cal, unlike in other states where one has to make a separate application for it. Though many people receive both SSI and Social Security benefits, it is still possible to get both Medicare and Medicaid. The state pays the Medicare premiums for people who receive SSI benefits if they are also eligible for Medicaid. Similar to MediCal, if you get SSI and have Medicare, you will also be eligible for extra help without filing a separate application. Medicaid also provides free health coverage to most low–income children through State Children's Health Insurance Programs. Although the limits vary in most states, you may qualify with certain Medicare costs under the state and federal programs under the following circumstances: - you receive Medicare
- your income is limited
- your resources are not more than $4,000 for one person or $6,000 for a couple
In addition to these, a claimant may also take other social services, although he is already receiving a supplemental security income. These may include the following: - A special allowance for assistance dogs for people who are blind or have a disability
- In-home support services
- Protective services
Other benefits that may be available to eligible claimants include the following: - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program –this benefit provides cash block grants to states. TANF gives states the flexibility to determine TANF eligibility rules and to set TANF payment amounts. Under this program, the blind or disabled adult or child, or an elderly family member in a household may still receive SSI and TANF benefits at the same time.
- Medicare for Children
In choosing which supplemental security income will suit your need, it would be better to seek advice of someone who has the experience and skills in the field, preferably a social security representative or a lawyer.
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