WHAT IS SSI?
SSI is a monthly financial benefit from the Social Security Administration to people with limited income and resources who are age 65 or older, blind or disabled. Blind or disabled children, as well as adults, can get SSI.
In most states, SSI determination is required for Medicaid eligibility of children with disabilities.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- Financial Determination
- Parental income is deemed, counted then prorated among the family members
- Exclusions
- Income includes Earned and Unearned Income
- Parental Resources are counted
- Disability Determination
Specific requirements:
Marked and severe functional limitations as defined by the Social Security Administration the limitations must have lasted or are supposed to last for a continuous period of 12 months or longer
The decision is made by a State Agency, Disability Determination Service, specifically, a team composed of a disability examiner and a medical or psychological consultant
What does the Social Security Administration Need?
- Social Security Card for all children
- Proof of Age—Birth Certificate for all children
- Citizenship—Birth Certificate
- Proof of Income—3 months LES
- Earned-wages and special pays
- Unearned Income-BAH/quarters and BAS
Proof of Resources:
- Bank statements
- Deed or tax appraisal
- Insurance Policies
- Certificates of Deposit, Stocks and Bonds
Proof of Living Arrangements:
- Deed, tax bill, or lease receipt
- Medical Assistance Cards
- Information about household costs, (utilities)
Medical Sources of Information:
- Medical Reports stating disability
- Names, addresses and telephone numbers of doctors and other medical service providers
- Names and Documentation on how disability affects the day-to-day activities.
How To Apply?
Go to local Social Security Office, ideally in the middle of month for faster service
Call the SSA office at 1-800-772-1213
While stationed overseas and you think your child may be eligible for SSI, you can apply by contacting the Federal Benefits Unit at the following Embassies or Consulates:
Germany Federal Benefits Unit
American Consulate General
Giessener Str. 30
60435 Frankfurt, Germany
Phone: 49-69-7535-2496
Fax: 49-69-749-352
England Federal Benefits Unit
American Embassy
24/31 Grosvenor Square
W1AW 2LQ London, England
Phone: 44-207-499-9000
Fax: 44-207-495-7200
Japan American Embassy
Federal Benefits Unit
1-10-5 Akasaka
Minato-ku, Tokyo
107-8420 Japan
Phone: 81-3-3224-5000
Fax: 81-3-3505-1862
Korea Social Security Division
Veterans Affairs
Regional Office
American Embassy
1131 Roxas Boulevard
0930 Manila, Philippines
Phone: 63-522-4716 or 63-2-526-5936
Fax: 632-522-1514
Things to Remember:
- It can take up to 180 days for approval.
- Payments are retroactive to the date of application. Your initial contact may be considered the date of contact.
- 1 of every 5 applications are denied—APPEAL.*
- When talking about the disability discuss the worst days, not the best.
- It is necessary to complete both disability and financial determinations when assessing eligibility. This is because SSI eligibility determination may be used in other programs within your state.
- Establishing the disability eligibility will enable your child to receive SSI when they turn 18 and the parent’s income is no longer considered, or if their economic situation changes.
- *Tip: Appeals to decisions are common and a right for your child
- Special Consideration for military families OCONUS
- Continuation of SSI benefits for families who PCS CONUS to OCONUS who meet the following criteria:
- Was eligible to receive SSI in the month before parent reported for duty overseas—payments will continue from the state you last were eligible
Report information regarding:
- Moves of the child
- People move into or out of the home
- Changes of financial status
- Leaving the Armed Forces and remaining overseas
For more information visit the SSI web page
“Working Together with Military Families of Individuals with DisAbilities!”