Understanding SSI disability

Social Security

By Chuck Stovall

Question: I just read a news article about babies getting Social Security disability benefits. I thought that people had to work and pay Social Security taxes before they can be eligible for disability benefits. Am I wrong? How could a baby be eligible when they have never worked?

Answer: The Social Security Administration is responsible for two major programs that provide benefits to people with disabilities. Social Security disability benefits are paid from the Social Security Trust Funds and are financed with Social Security taxes on earnings paid by workers, employers and self-employed persons. To be eligible for Social Security, a person needs to work and earn credits by paying Social Security taxes on their earnings. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are made on the basis of financial need. SSI is a program financed through general revenues. To be eligible for SSI, applicants must have limited income and resources in addition to being aged, blind or disabled. A baby with a disability might be eligible for SSI. It depends on several factors including the baby’s current living arrangement and the family’s income and resources. For more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov or call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Question: I receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Can my children receive dependent’s benefits based on my record?

Answer: No. SSI benefits are based on the needs of the individual and are only paid to the qualifying person. Unlike Social Security, there are no SSI benefits payable to spouses, children or survivors unless they are also disabled or age 65 and meet the income and resource limits. For more information, see Supplemental Security Income (Publication No. 05-11000) a t www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/1100 0.html.You also might want to read the introductory material in our booklet, www.socialsecurity.gov/ ssi/text-understanding-ssi.htm.

Question: I get Supplemental Security Income (SSI). My brother recently died and left me the money he had in a savings account. Will this extra money affect my SSI benefits? Will my SSI payments stop?

Answer: The money inherited from your brother is considered income for the month you receive it and could make you ineligible for that month, depending on the amount of the inheritance. If you keep the money into the next month, it then becomes a part of your resources and could affect your continuing eligibility for SSI benefits. An individual cannot have more than $2,000 in resources ($3,000 for a married couple) to remain eligible for SSI. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to report the inheritance. They will tell you how your payments and eligibility might be affected.

Question: It seems like I am always at the Social Security office to get proof of my Social Security income. I need it for my landlord every year. I am taking some evening classes and they asked for it. Now the utility company wants one. Isn’t there an easier way than standing in line at the Social Security office?

Answer: Some people who get Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits need to get a statement of their benefit amount or other information to show proof of their income or benefits. Social Security can provide the information you need in a “proof of income letter.” When you request a proof of income letter, it will be mailed to your address in our records. You can request one online by visiting https://secure. ssa.gov/apps6z/BEVE/main.html or by telephone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

This is part of the April 15, 2009 online edition of Frost Illustrated.

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