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).
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