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SSI
What
is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
SSI helps meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter
for people who are elderly, blind, or have a disability,
and who have little or no income. The program is administered
through the Social Security Administration (SSA). The
Federal government funds SSI from general tax revenues.
For more information, view the social security website
at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/.
Who
is eligible?
People with disabilities are eligible to receive SSI
if they have a limited income and limited resources.
Children’s eligibility is determined on family
income. At age 18, each person gains adult status, and
the family’s income is no longer considered for
eligibility requirements. The SSA has a Benefit Eligibility
Screening Tool that can help you determine if you are
eligible for SSI or other benefits.
How
do I apply for SSI?
You should file as soon as you believe you or your child
might be eligible; there is no waiting period. You will
need to complete an application form with an SSA representative.
The SSA manages the SSI and Medicare programs, and provides
eligibility criteria information on benefits and services.
Visit the SSA website at www.ssa.gov
or call 800-772-1213. Contact an office in Prince George’s
County at 301-344-0185 (Seabrook) or (Suitland).
You
will eventually need to show proof of age, medical history
records with the names and telephone numbers of all
doctors and case workers involved, summary of work history
in past 15 years with addresses and supervisors names,
W-2 forms, bank statements and information about the
home you live in such as the lease or mortgage. You
will also have to show this information to be true before
a decision on your eligibility can be made.
For
more information about Medicaid, Medicare, SSI, and
SSA, please visit the State Medical Programs page at
www.dhmh.state.md.us/mma/FAQ/index
Information
about the 5.8% Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) for
2009:
Social
Security Administration News Release
History
of Social Security COLA rates
Social
Security COLA Fact Sheet
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