Reproduced from the Social Security Administrations Form EN-05-11000, the following explains what Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is, who can get it, and how to apply. For information specific to you, talk with a Social Security representative.
SSI makes monthly payments to people who have low income and few resources, and who are:

• Age 65 or older;
• Blind; or
• Disabled.

Your income and resources
Whether you can get SSI depends on your income and resources (the things you own).
Income
Income is money you receive such as wages, Social Security benefits, and pensions. Income also includes such things as food and shelter. The amount of income you can receive each month and still get SSI depends partly on where you live. You can call us to find out the income limits in your state.
Social Security doesn’t count all of your income when we decide whether you qualify for SSI. For example, we do not count:

• The first $20 a month of most income you receive;
• The first $20 a month of most income you receive;
• The first $65 a month you earn from working and half the amount over $65;• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly known as food stamps;
• Shelter you get from private nonprofit organizations; and
• Most home energy assistance.

If you’re married, we include part of your spouse’s income and resources when deciding if you qualify for SSI. If you’re younger than age 18, we include part of your parents’ income and resources. And, if you’re a sponsored noncitizen, we may include your sponsor’s income and resources.
If you’re a student, some of the wages or scholarships you receive may not count.

Resources (things you own)

Resources that we count in deciding if you qualify for SSI include real estate, bank accounts, cash, stocks, and bonds.
You may be able to get SSI if your resources are worth $2,000 or less. A couple may be able to get SSI if they have resources worth $3,000 or less. If you own property that you are trying to sell, you may be able to get SSI while trying to sell it.
Social Security doesn’t count everything you own in deciding whether you have too many resources to qualify for SSI. For example, we do not count:

• The home and land where you live;
• The home and land where you live;
• Life insurance policies with a face value of $1,500or less;
• Your car (usually);
• Burial plots for you and members of your immediate family; and
• Up to $1,500 in burial funds for you and up to $1,500 in burial funds for your spouse.

To get SSI, you must live in the United States or the Northern Mariana Islands and be a U.S. citizen or national. In some cases, noncitizen residents can qualify for SSI. For more information read Supplemental Security Income (SSI) For Noncitizens (Publication No. 05-11051).

• If you’re eligible for Social Security or other benefits, you must apply for them. If eligible, you can get SSI and other benefits.
• If you’re eligible for Social Security or other benefits, you must apply for them. If eligible, you can get SSI and other benefits.
• If you live in certain types of institutions, you may get SSI.
• If you live in a city or county rest home, halfway house, or other public institution, such as a jail or prison, you usually can’t get SSI. But there are some exceptions.

1. If you live in a publicly operated community residence that serves no more than 16 people, you may get SSI.
2.  If you live in a public institution mainly to attend approved educational or job training to help you get a job, you may get SSI.
3. If you live in a public emergency shelter for the homeless, you may get SSI.
4.  If you live in a public or private institution, and Medicaid is paying more than half the cost of your care, you may get a small SSI benefit.
5. If you have any felony or arrest warrants for escape from custody, flight to avoid prosecution or confinement, or flight escape, you usually can’t get SSI.

If you plan to apply for SSI, you can begin the application process and complete a large part
of your application by visiting our website at
www.socialsecurity.gov/applyforbenefits. You can also call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 to ask for an appointment with a Social Security representative.
If you’re a disabled adult intending to file for both SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance, you can now apply online for both benefits at the same time if you meet the following requirements:

• Are between the ages of 18 and 65;
• Have never been married;
• Aren’t blind;
• Are a U.S. citizen residing in one of the 50 states, District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands; and
• Haven’t applied for or received SSI benefits in the past. To apply for Social Security and SSI disability benefits online, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/disability. If you cannot apply for SSI online, you can call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 to set up an in-office or telephone appointment with a Social Security representative.
Parents or guardians usually can apply for blind or disabled children under age 18. In some cases, other third parties can apply for children.