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Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Published
October 19, 2021
Topics
Adult Life, Family Support

SSI is a program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that provides monthly payments to people who have low income, few resources, and who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. 

Eligibility

  • Income: SSA uses a formula to calculate if you will qualify under the income limits or if your income disqualifies you from receiving SSI.
  • Resources: You may be eligible for SSI if your resources are worth $2,000 or less as an individual.
  • Disability status: The SSA will determine if you meet the disability criteria. For adults (ages 18 and over), the SSA is primarily concerned with how your disability affects your ability to work.
  • Residence: You must live in the U.S. or the Northern Mariana Islands.
  • Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or national. Some non-citizens may qualify.

Application Process

All local Social Security offices are closed for walk-in service, though an in-person appointment may be possible.

Adults 

Call 1-800-772- 1213 (or TTY 1-800-325-0778 if you are deaf or hard of hearing) for more information. You may call your local Social Security office to schedule a telephone appointment in order to file for SSI benefits. You can also apply online.

Children under 18 

You will need to complete the application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and a Child Disability Report. If your child is receiving SSI and approaching their 18th birthday, your child will go through the Age 18 Redetermination process to determine if they will continue to receive SSI benefits as an adult.

Assistance with Your Application

Workforce Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) is a free service for Social Security beneficiaries who are working or are looking to work. WIPA staff can help you understand how working will affect your benefits and what work incentives are available to you. If you have general questions about Social Security Work Incentives or Ticket to Work, call 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY).

Hostos CUNY WIPA

560 Exterior Street, Bronx, NY 10451

1-800-739-0118

Independent Living Centers (ILCs) are community-based, independent, nonprofit organizations that are run by and for individuals with disabilities. They provide services that help those with disabilities lead independent, productive, and meaningful lives. ILCs can provide assistance with navigating benefits, including SSI.

Harlem Independent Living Center

289 St Nicholas Avenue

New York, NY 10027

Toll Free (800) 673-2371

(212) 222-7122

TTY (212) 222-7198

Videophone (646) 755-3092

Manhattan Center for Independence of the Disabled

841 Broadway, Suite 301

New York, NY 10003

(212) 674-2300

TTY (212) 674-5619

Videophone (646) 350-2681

www.cidny.org

Bronx Independent Living Services, Inc.

4419 Third Avenue, Suite 2C

Bronx, NY 10457

(718) 515-2800

TTY (718) 515-2803

Videophone (866) 426-8059

www.bils.org

Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled

25 Elm Place, 5th floor

Brooklyn, NY 11201

(718) 998-3000

TTY (718) 998-7406

www.bcid.org

Queens Center for Independence of the Disabled

80-20 Kew Gardens Road, Suite 107

Kew Gardens, NY 11415

(646) 442-1520

TTY (718) 866-0428

Videophone: (347) 905-5088

www.cidny.org

Staten Island Center for Independent Living

470 Castleton Avenue

Staten Island, NY 10301

(718) 720-9016

TTY (718) 720-9870

www.siciliving.org