Transcript Supplemental Security Income - Disability Rights California

Supplemental Security
Income
(SSI)
Getting Acquainted with SSI
Here’s a great place to get your
basic questions answered….
 http://www.pai-ca.org/pubs/506401.htm
ENJOY!!
What is SSI?
SSI is a federal program that provides
monthly cash payments to people who do
not have much income or own many things.
To get SSI, the claimant must:
Be 65 or older; or
 Be totally or partially blind; or
 Disabled; Claimant must have a medical
condition that keeps him from working and is
expected to last at least one year or result in
death.
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(Disabled or blind children also can receive
SSI. There are different rules for children. See
http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10026.html
How much can a claimant get?
The basic monthly SSI payment is the same
nationwide. Not everyone gets the same
amount. The claimant may get more if he lives in a
state that adds money to the federal SSI
payment. Or he may get less if he or
his family have other income. Where and
with who the claimant lives with can determine if
he qualifies for SSI and make a difference in the
amount of his SSI payment.
How does one qualify for SSI?
Income
Income includes
money earned,
Social Security
Benefits, pensions
and the value of items
received from someone
else; such as food
clothing and shelter.
Resources
Resources counted in
deciding whether one
qualifies for SSI include
real estate, bank
accounts, cash, stocks
and bonds.
Income
Social Security does not count all of one’s
income in deciding whether he qualifies for
SSI. For example, they do not count:
 The first $20/month of most income;
 The first $65/month earned from working and
half the amount over $65;
 Food stamps
 Shelter received from private nonprofit
organizations
Income (cont.)
If the claimant is married, Social Security
also includes part of his spouse’s income
and resources when deciding whether he
qualifies for SSI.
Resources
Social Security does not count everything claimant owns in
deciding whether he has too many resources to qualify
for SSI. For example, they do not count:
The home one lives in and the land it is on;
Life insurance policies with a face value of $1,500 or
less;
 Car (usually)
 Burial plots for claimant and members of his immediate
family; and
 Up to $1,500 in burial funds for claimant and up to
$1,500 in burial funds for his spouse.
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Resources (cont.)
Claimant may be able to get SSI if his
resources (the things you own) are worth no
more than $2,000 for a person or $3,000 for
a couple.
Other Rules Claimant Must Meet
To get SSI, claimant must live in the United
States and be a U.S. citizen or national.
In some cases, noncitizen residents can
qualify for SSI. See
http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/11051.html
Overpayments
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An overpayment occurs when a claimant
receives more money for a month than
the amount due. The amount of the
overpayment is the difference between
the amount received and the amount due.
What can cause an overpayment?
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Income is more than estimated
Living situation changes
Marital status changes
Having more resources than allowable
No longer disabled and continue to receive
benefits
Claimant does not report a change to SSA
SSA incorrectly figures benefits because of
incorrect or incomplete information
What will SSA do if there is an
overpayment?
SSA will send claimant a notice explaining the overpayment
and ask for a full refund within 30 days. If claimant is
currently getting checks and does not make a full refund,
the notice will:
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propose to withhold the overpayment at the rate of 10
percent of the total income;
state the month the proposed withholding will start;
fully explain claimant’s rights;
explain how claimant can ask to have the overpayment
waived, so he may not have to pay it back; and
explain how claimant can appeal the decision.
What can claimant do if he gets an
overpayment notice?
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If claimant believes he was not overpaid, he may
request a reconsideration. If claimant appeals within
10 days of the date of the notice, any payment SSA is
currently making will continue until they make a
decision.
If claimant agrees he was overpaid, but feels that it was
not his fault he can ask for a waiver at any time. If SSA
grants a waiver, claimant will not have to repay the
overpayment. To get a waiver granted, claimant
must show (1) it was not his fault that he was overpaid
and (2) he cannot pay back the overpayment he needs
the money to meet his ordinary living expenses.
Aid Paid Pending
Aid paid pending is a continuation of
claimant’s benefits (at the same amount)
until SSA makes a determination in an
appeal. Claimant must appeal a decision
within 10 days of receipt of the letter
proposing the change in order to get
aid paid pending.
Right to Appeal
If claimant disagrees with a decision made
on his claim, he can appeal it. For an
overview, go to the fact sheet at:
http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10141.html
 The claimant has the right to be
represented by an attorney or other
qualified person of your choice. See
http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10075.html
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Contacting Social Security
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Visit the website
http://www.ssa.gov is
a valuable resource
for information
Apply for benefits
Get the address of
your local SSA
Get forms to request
important documents
Call the 1-800 #
 You can also call tollfree at 1-800-7721213
 TTY 1-800-325-0778
SSI and OCRA
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OCRA frequently assists consumers with
SSI related matters. As you become more
familiar with the work done at OCRA, you
will begin to understand more about your
role as an SSI advocate!
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The next session is just a click away!