Applying for SSI

This video is an introduction to SSI, Supplemental Security Income. First, I talk about the difference between SSI and SSDI, Social Security Disability Insurance. Then, I go over who’s eligible for SSI, how your benefit amount is determined, how to apply, and how to appeal if your claim is denied.

0:00 Introduction
0:48 SSI v. SSDI
1:25 Eligibility
6:31 Benefit Amount
7:21 Applying
8:40 Appealing

Monthly earnings limit:

Listing of Impairments (the “Bluebook”):

Documents needed to apply:

This video only provides general legal information and is not legal advice. Laws are nuanced, frequently change, and vary by jurisdiction, so you should not rely on this information without consulting an attorney about your particular situation.

[protectorofillinois]

You are so knowledgeable & educated in SSI. 5 years ago, I was making a great living as a full-time model, but during the session, the right side of my body went numb and fell on the floor. To make a long story short, I received a letter from Social Security Administration and it stated due to my physical limitations that prevented me from working, I was approved for SSI benefits (which I did NOT apply for at all, but I found out my doctor filled out the application for me because I was unable to use my right hand to write and she sent the application along with my medical records). I use a cane to get around, and although I miss my modeling job so much, the monthly income of $914.00 is okay, so at least, I'm able to pay my rent and expenses on time (I was shocked to receive backpay though lol).

[ashfaqshaikh]

Wonderful explanation by a very knowledgeable person.

[louisg]

This is extremely helpful! I was wondering if you might have any videos that talks about the following topics? 1) When an adult child has 2 guardians who are divorced parents where you live with both (example 50/50 co-parenting) and how that applies to room & board you pay to each. 2) ABLE account and/or banking account to manage your monthly check and expenses.

[raulaquino]

This was extremely helpful, thank you

[debfassbinder]

COULD YOU PLEASE DEFINE YOUR INCOME IF YOU LIVE WITH SPOUSE. WHAT ABOUT A LONG TERM SEPARATION, SHOULD ONE RECEIVE THEIR FULL BENEFIT AMOUNT IF NOT LIVING WITH SPOUSE AFTER LONG TERM. ONE WHO HAS EARNED OVER THEIR WORK HISTORY SHOULD NOT BE LIMITED DUE TO A MARRIAGE, THEY WORKED AND PAID INTO SSDI, or SSI AS AN INDIVIDUAL NOT A JOINT UNION OF A MARRIAGE SPOUSE OR PARTNER, SO WHY WOULD THAT INDIVIDUAL ONLY RECEIVE 1/2 OR LESSOR DUE TO MARITAL STATUS?

[art-alchemy]

Hi Matthew, my stepfather who is now 75 and has been collecting his retirement pay for a while now was still working full time until the end of September last year 2022. My stepfather was collecting temporary California disability which he is on his last month. Since he has been collecting his retirement can he still apply for permanent disability? He has all the documentation with is knee. He developed chronic arthritis on is leg and lower back due to the nature of his job. Also his job did not give him any severance pay for 20 years of working there. Any advice will be helpful. My stepfather only speaks Spanish which I have to scrabble to get some information for him. Thank You Maria

[SusyParker]

If you’re applying for SSI, I’m guessing you can’t afford to hire an attorney?

[MattMorris]

So if I make $1000 a month from a lifetime annuity from my workers comp settlement I won’t qualify for SSI?

[pamelaburgess]

My husband drew SSI but we were separated for a year and a half. He moved away and died of heart failure. I am still his wife, a widow, but I never recieved any benefits from The Social Security Administration, what should I do? I have been drawing SSI for over 30 years but I don't know anything about this situation. Please if you can give me some information on this, it would be very helpful. Thank you

[scoobydoo]

My relative is more than 65y/o has no work experience ever since he immigrated in the US few years ago. His spouse is the only one working for now. Is it possible for him to be eligible for SSI?

[BobbyGazo]

I'm suing them in federal court again it's our money ssi is an entitlement

[garyhall]

I spent a lot of years in Federal prison. I'm 62 and receive $367 a month in retirement. Not blaming anyone for the bad decisions I made, but wondering if I would qualify for SSI? Oh, and I've been working part time as a bouncer, but can't physically do it anymore. I will be quitting by the end of 2024.

[frankieagustin]

I live in Guam, a USA Territory Do I qualify?
I’ll be 66 years old in 3 months and 19 days.

[mirjanabdul]

Mine took two years still didn’t got any result.😢

[DanM-wu]

I want your company to order me to apply for your application and assistance for rent and bills paid

[madisinmargrime]

What make money. A chick in the bank, Looking for to go to school and finally all graduated and callege school, my work was SSI inside the build to help me for lok for a job to keep my paper work of my worker.

[gurpreetsinghtandon]

Can a lawful permanent resident adult age 65 or older living in US for less than 5 years and has no income eligible for SSI ?

[frankieagustin]

I am currently getting $152.00 every month.

[mikeappignani]

Mr Junker can you receive S S I IF YOU HAVE AN ESTATE ACCOUNT FROM YOUR

[Hatin-invc]

I'm an American citizen who was lost in the bc wilderness and I have fought many battles, why should I have to apply for a social security number, why don't you do the American thing and send it to me