Supplemental Security Income
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal cash benefit program designed to guarantee a minimum monthly income to people who are either 65 or older, blind, or disabled and who have limited incomes.
Operated by the Social Security Administration, SSI benefits are based on need rather than the amount paid into the program or the number of quarters worked. SSI benefits are paid to eligible people only, not to family members or survivors.
To qualify, a person must be a U.S. citizen, living in the U.S., and over 65, blind, or disabled.
In addition, income and resources tests must be passed. All of your income and that of your spouse is considered. You'll also need to show that your resources or assets are limited.
Resources include possessions such as real estate, personal belongings, household goods, money, and stocks and bonds. However, not all resources are counted. For example, the house you live in and the land it sits on are exempt.
Papers needed when applying for benefits include: Social Security card; proof of birthdate; real estate tax notices; bank books; insurance policies and other papers which list resources; pay stubs; and medical records relating to disability.
Persons who know they will be eligible within 30 days (those age 64 and 11 months, for example) should apply immediately.
For more information contact your local Social Security Administration office, or call 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.State Supplement
The SSI minimum monthly payment amount is less than what Nebraska provides for its elderly or disabled citizens, so the state supplements the federal SSI payment.
You may be eligible for this supplement depending upon the amount of your monthly expenses.
To learn if you're eligible, be sure to ask your Health and Human Services caseworker about a supplement to your SSI payment when you apply for Medicaid, Food Stamps, Energy Assistance or any other program offered by DHHS.
