Supplemental Security Income helps people who have limited income and resources. This federal program provides monthly payments to people who are elderly, blind or disabled.
However, there are other specific eligibility criteria you must also understand to determine if you qualify for this assistance.
Age, blindness and disability
SSI eligibility requires you to meet specific age, blindness or disability criteria. You must be 65 years or older to qualify based on age. Blindness eligibility requires having a severe vision impairment and meeting certain legal definitions for qualification. For disability, you must have a physical or mental condition that prevents you from working for the next 12 months or longer.
Income requirements
The Social Security Administration sets income limits for SSI eligibility, and these limits vary depending on one’s living situation. In Missouri, the general rule is that the more income one has, the lower the SSI benefit will be. If your income exceeds a certain threshold, you may not qualify for SSI. The program considers both earned and unearned income.
Resource limits
In addition to income, the SSA also considers the value of one’s resources. Resources include cash, bank accounts, real estate and personal property. To qualify for SSI, your resources must not exceed $2,000 as an individual or $3,000 as a couple. Certain resources, like the home you live in or a vehicle, do not count toward this limit.
Citizenship and residency
To be eligible for SSI, individuals must be U.S. citizens or nationals. Some non-citizens may also qualify, depending on their immigration status. In Missouri, as in other states, you must reside within the state and not be absent for more than 30 consecutive days without good reason.
If you meet these criteria, you may be eligible to receive SSI benefits. You can apply by contacting the Social Security office or by starting the application process online. Following the guidelines and understanding the requirements will help determine eligibility for SSI in Missouri.
