— 16 Comments ↓

Supplemental Security Benefits (SSI)

gives cash assistance
to people with limited income and resources
who are age 65 or older, blind or disabled.

Caretakers & Parents

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Jump to our Section on:

Release from Prison ** Assets, Resources & Income Limits * Automatic Medi-Cal Qualification * Publications & Links * Attorney List *  Medicare Information * Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans * Working while disabled  *  FAQ’s * 

 

What is the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program and
how can I apply?

 

SSI Publication # 5-11000

What you need to know when you get SSI 
Publication # 110111 

More than you ever wanted to know on SSI
Understanding  SSI  Publication # 17-008 120 pages 

 

  1. WHAT DOES “DISABLED” MEAN FOR AN ADULT?
  2. If you are age 18 or older we may consider you “disabled” if you have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment (including an emotional or learning problem) which:
    1. results in the inability to do any substantial gainful activity; and
    2. can be expected to result in death; or
    3. has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.

  3. WHAT IS SUBSTANTIAL GAINFUL ACTIVITY (SGA)?

    We use the term substantial gainful activity (SGA) to describe a level of work activity and earnings that is both substantial and gainful. SGA involves performance of significant physical or mental activities, or a combination of both. For your work activity to be substantial you do not need to work full time. Work activity performed on a part-time basis may also be SGA. If your impairment is anything other than blindness, earnings averaging over $1,070 a month (for the year 2014) generally demonstrate SGA.

    Gainful work activity is:

    small blue ballwork performed for pay or profit, or

    small blue ballwork of a nature generally performed for pay or profit; or

    small blue ballwork intended for profit, whether or not a profit is realized.

  4. Is SSI Title XVI?
  5. Resource & Income Limits 
    1. August 2021 COVID changes  
  6. SSI Home Page – Table of Contents on Social Security Website
  7. Medicaid – Medi-Cal is generally automatic.
    1. Extra Payments for SSI in CA # 11125 

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Basics.

webcast— download the slides here, read the Chapter Summary here, or view the recording here.

Here are additional NCLER resources that you may find helpful:

You can find additional training materials on the NCLER Website.

 

Ask us a Question? FAQ's?

Is Medi-Cal  #automatic  for SSI – Supplemental Security Benefit beneficiaries – recipients?

***Yes,  according to

Many individuals receive SSI due to poverty (over 65) and others receive SSI due to disability.

Visit our webpage on Medicaid Medi-Cal  benefits which can cover items like prescription medication, transportation, and home-based care and dental. 

 

What if you are claimed as a dependent on someone else’s taxes?

See Table of Contents on SSI Home Page

See our page on definition of household.

Links & Resources

Disability Benefits 101 on SDI  *  SSI *

Our webpage on

Dental for Everyone - Instant Quotes and Enrollment

Social Security Disability Insurance #SSDI

 

The  Social Security disability program SSDI  for an average family is equivalent to a private disability insurance policy worth over $233,000.  Social Security pays benefits to people who cannot work because they have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. (ssa.gov #10029)

Once you have received Disability benefits for two years you will automatically be covered under Medicare  Parts A & B  ssa.gov # 10029 * (there is a $148 premium for Part B – If you are low income there may be ways to get that paid for you) and we can then help you enroll in a

Medicare Advantage Plan (NO PREMIUM!), Part D Rx and Medicare Supplemental Medi-Gap Plans.

be sure to contact us RIGHT away, as there are deadlines!

Find
free or reduced cost services like medical care, food, job training, and more.

Aunt Bertha.com

free or reduced cost services like medical care, food, job training, and more.

Search Tools Free Services

California Corona Virus Response

  • Emergency food and food benefits Get help buying groceries with the NEW Pandemic EBT (or P-EBT) card: With schools closed due to COVID-19, children who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals can get up to $365 in food benefits. Families with children who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals AND do not participate in CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or Foster Care can apply starting May 22nd – June 30th.    For more informationhttps://ca.p-ebt.org   or : www.cdss.ca.gov/home/pandemic-ebt.
  • California began allowing online food purchasing with EBT benefits! You may use your EBT card on Amazon and/or Walmart to purchase groceries. More retailers to be added in the future. For more information  https://www.cdss.ca.gov/ebt-online

Family Services 

24/7 Hotlines

Dial 2-1-1 from a cell phone or landline to get connected to local resources, it will ask for zip code and give a list of options.

#Social Security Disability Benefits # 10029
Social Security Disability Benefits # 10029

************************

SSI Introduction Publication # 5-11000

More than you ever wanted to know on SSI
Understanding  SSI  # 17-008 120 pages 

understanding ssi # 17-008

***********

SSI in CA  #11125

Benefits for #Children with Disabilities  # 10026

Benefits for children with disabilities # 10026

 

 

6 Steps to apply for Social Security #Disability

#Attorney  's that can help you through the Social Security Disability maze

We don't necessarily know these attorney's...

SSI #Resources & Income Limits

 

The Aged & Disabled  Medi-Cal program uses SSI countable income rules  as well as a few extra rules you should know. For more information, visit or webpage on the  SSI program, the Medi-Cal section of the Disability Benefits 101 website. CA Health Care Advocates Archive

Countable resources are the things you own that count toward the resource limit. Many things you own do not count.

  1. Have less than $2,000 in Countable assets for an individual ($3,000 for a couple).
    1. Medi-Cal property limitations.
    2.  asset questionnaire
    3. CANHR simpler list
    4. CANHR Fact Sheet
    5. Understanding Medi-Cal’s Asset Test for Seniors and People With Disabilities
    6. Western Poverty Law 
    7. Nolo - SSI Income & Asset Limits
    8. Income SSA.Gov
      1. SSA Site
    9. Our webpage on SSI Resources & Income
  2. Have less than $1,271 - 123% of FPL  in countable monthly income for an individual ($1,719 for a couple). ca health advocates.org ADFPL    *  AB 715 Fact Sheet * Western Poverty Law  * 
    1. Share of Cost if income is too high, but you qualify on asset test?

InsuBuy International Medical Coverage –
Instant Quotes & Enrollment

Travel Policies

Coverage for Travel - $50k Emergency under Medicare Medi Gap or MAPD Advantage may not be enough!

#Work and Disability

Disability Benefits Brochure # 10029

We base your SSI payments on how much other income you have. When your other income goes up, your SSI payments usually go down. When you earn more than the SSI limit, your payments will stop for those months. But, your payments will start again for any month your income drops to less than the SSI limits. Be sure to tell us if your earnings drop, or if you stop working.

If your only income is SSI, and the money you make from your job, we don’t count the first $85 of your monthly earnings. Each month, we reduce your SSI benefits 50 cents for every dollar that you earn over $85.

Example: You work and earn $1,000 in a month; and your only income comes from your earnings and your SSI.
$1,000
-$85
$915 divided by 2 = $457.50

We would take $457.50 from your SSI payment.

You may be eligible for a plan to achieve self-support that allows you to use money and resources for a specific work goal. These funds don’t count when we figure out how your current income and resources affect your benefits.  Learn more — Working While Disabled 10095

Also visit our website, http://www.socialsecurity.gov/work.

#Working while disabled # 10095

working while disabled

Red Book – – Employment Supports for those on SSI & SSDI # 64-030   60 pages  HTML 

Red Book Social Security Working for those on SSI & SSDI

HOW DOES DEEMING WORK FOR A CHILD?

 

The term deeming means –  identifies the process of considering another person’s income and resources to be available for meeting an SSI claimant’s (or recipient’s) basic needs of food and shelter.  SSA.gov *

If a child is under age 18, not married, and lives at home with parent(s) who do not receive SSI benefits, we may consider a portion of the parents’ income and resources as if they were available to the child. We may also count a portion of a stepparent’s income and resources if the child lives with both a parent and a stepparent (or an adoptive parent and a stepparent). We also do this when a child is temporarily away at school, returns home during weekends, holidays or during the summer and remains subject to parental control.

We make deductions from deemed income for parents and for other children living in the home. After we subtract these deductions, we use the remaining amount to decide if the child meets the SSI income and resource requirements for a monthly benefit.

NOTE For more information, see the SSI Spotlight on Deeming Parental Income and Resources.

 

WHEN DOES DEEMING NOT APPLY?

 

Deeming from the parent stops when a child attains age 18, marries, or no longer lives with a parent. Deeming does not apply, and we may pay up to $30 plus the applicable State supplement when:

small blue and black arrowa disabled child receives a reduced SSI benefit while in a medical treatment facility; and

small blue and black arrowthe child is eligible for Medicaid under a State home care plan; and

small blue and black arrowdeeming would otherwise cause ineligibility for SSI benefits.

Also, we do not consider the income of a parent for deeming purposes if the parent receives a Public Income Maintenance payment (PIM) such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and his or her other income was used to compute the PIM payment.

NOTE See SSI AND ELIGIBILITY FOR OTHER GOVERNMENT AND STATE PROGRAMS for information on TANF.

If either child or parent is temporarily absent from the household (less than 60 days), the rules about deemed income still apply. ssa.gov/ssi child-ussi

In–Kind Income is food or shelter that you get for free or less than its fair market value.

Bibliography

Supplemental Security Income # 11125

Ticket to Work Program

#Disability SSI & SSDI Publications, Resources & Links

 

Social Security Publications relating to Disability, SSI, SSDI

 

FAQ's

  1. What must I do to Qualify?
    1. Must be total & permanent disability
  2. What is Social Security's eligibility process
  3. Where is Social Security's home page for disability
  4. Can I get a Disability "Starter Kit?
  5. Tell me more about the Ticket to Work Program which gives you more choice in obtaining the services one needs to be able to go back to work and achieve your employment goals.
  6. Where can I get more disability information?
  7. Can I get an estimate of my retirement benefits? Sample Calculation
  1. Nolo.com Disability Benefits

 

Medicare Coverage

 

SSI-Related Programs & Coverage Groups
Income & Assets Chart

ssi chart related programs

Our web pages on:

Call Social Security 1-800-772-1213

How Work Affects SSI and SSDI:

SSI for Groups & Organizations
SSI for Groups & Organizations # 11015

Will a settlement affect Government Benefits - Too high resources & income?

Social Security #Handbook

  Preface
1. Overview of the Social Security System
2. Becoming Insured
3. Cash Retirement and Auxiliary Benefits; Special Age 72 Payments
4. Survivors Benefits
5. Cash Disability Benefits and Related Disability Protection
6. Factors in Evaluating Disability
7. Figuring the Cash Benefit Rate
8. Who Are Employees?
9. Special Coverage Provisions
10. State and Local Employment
11. Are You Self-Employed?
12. Net Earnings From Self-Employment
13. Wages
14. Earnings Records and Tax Reports
15. Filing a Claim
16. Representative Payees
17. Evidence Required to Establish Right to Benefits
18. Reduction or Nonpayment of Social Security Benefits
19. Underpayments and Overpayments
20. Determinations and the Administrative Review Process
21. Supplemental Security Income
22. Black Lung Benefits
23. Other Benefit Programs
24. Health Insurance Protection (Medicare)
25. Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount
26. Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs
27. Special Veterans Benefits

Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability

Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability  

We do have a reference copy in our office

#Medicare10050 and You
2022   
Everything you want to know 

Steve's Video Introduction to Medicare & You

Steve's video on Medicare & You

Social Publication # 10043 What is Medicare

Your Medicare Benefits # 10116

What's Covered App for Smartphones

your medicare benefits # 101116

How does being incarcerated – Jail, #Prison affect Social Security or SSI Benefits?

How do you get benefits reinstated?

 

If you’re receiving SSI, your payments are suspended while you’re in prison.  Your payments can be reinstated in the month you’re released.   However, if your confinement lasts for 12 consecutive months or longer, your eligibility for SSI benefits will terminate and you must file a new application for benefits.

If Social Security suspends your disability or SSI benefits because you were in prison, you can request for Social Security to reinstate your benefits. You’ll need to contact Social Security and provide a copy of your official release documents  before they can act on your request.

For SSI beneficiaries, benefits are terminated when the person is incarcerated for a year or more.

See our separate website on Criminal Law

Forms to Get one released from Prison

Which prison?
http://www.dcor.state.ga.us/Divisions/Facilities/StatePrisons

Is he on SSI or SSDI?

Were benefits suspended or terminated?

Was he getting benefits before?

Does the prison have a pre-release agreement with Social Security?

Please read this pamphlet from Social Security
https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10504.pdf

A prerelease agreement is a written or verbal agreement between an institution and SSA to cooperate in the processing of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applications under the prerelease procedure. For a complete description of prerelease agreements see SI 00520.910 – Prerelease Agreements – Institutionalization. https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0423530001

After you know your release date, notify someone at your facility that you want to start your SSI payments or Social Security benefits. The institution then will notify us if you are likely to meet the requirements for benefits. We will get an application from you several months before your anticipated release. That way, we can begin processing your application. Your benefits can start as soon as possible after your release.
If your institution does not have a prerelease agreement with the local Social Security office:
After you know your anticipated release date, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Tell the representative you are scheduled to be released from an institution and want to apply for benefits. Please have your Social Security number handy. We will set up an appointment with your local Social Security office to take your application when you are released. https://faq.ssa.gov/en-US/Topic/article/KA-02597

Social Security and Health Care Benefits for the  Incarcerated 

This fact sheet describes

Main Social Security Page, Disability Page and related pages

Entering the Community after #Jail, Prison - Incarceration # 10504

Entering Community after incarceration

What prisoners need to know # 10133

How to Navigate California County Jails: A Guide for Inmates and Their Loved Ones

Our webpages on

#Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans (PDF) #12026

Watch Video

Video understanding medicare advantage mapd

Insurance Companies get a fee from the Federal Government, when you enroll in an MAPD plan.

That's why the premium is very low or ZERO!

16 comments on “SSI – Supplemental Security Benefits – Automatic Medi Cal – SSDI”

  1. Hello,

    I have been on SDI State Disability Insurance CA since 11/02/2020, my Doctor has just submitted medical certification to the EDD Employment Development Department SDI that I will not be able to return to work.

    Already have Medi-Cal as Secondary (Cigna Through employer) which I am assuming will be will be cancelled very soon.

    On 2015 I was already deemed 50% disabled due to a work injury, I did not claim any state benefits only the Worker’s Comp and did a settlement. Continued to work on and off as I could, this now is another health issue which will last until death. I will be 56 in October 2021.

    Do I have to reach out and apply for Social Security SSDI Permanent Disability Benefits and wait over a year to get Medicare Advantage and MediCal as secondary?

    [our webpage on Medi Medi – Cal Medi Connect]

    Family of four, Low Income, on SNAP [Food Stamps – Cal Fresh] and Head of Household.

    I will not be able to afford Medicare premiums of $150 [$148.50] per month for Part B Dr. Visits.

    I appreciate your guidance.

    Reply

  3. 1. I do not take phone calls or roto calls! If we can talk through emails that would work.

    2. I have been on SSD since 2014 and now get free Medicare A and low cost prescriptions. I also get 100% coverage through the Financial Assistant program offered by my local Hospitals.

    3. Was going to pay the $148 for straight Medicare beginning in August

    4. but was looking for a supplement plan to coincide with the straight Medicare. If possible,

    5. I was hoping to find a $0 premium per month plan.

    Thank you!

    Reply

    • 1. We don’t like to do phone calls either. President Trump was not kidding when he said that Insurance was complicated. We prefer to have the questions in writing so that we can research and verify the correct answer with a citation.

      2. Do you mean SSDI? Please be exact. Otherwise we can end up with a lot of grief and confusion.

      By low cost prescriptions, do you mean you have a Part D Rx Plan?

      Do you have LIS Low Income Subsidy?

      I’m not really familiar with what you mean by 100% coverage financial assistance program from your hospital.

      3. What do you mean by “straight” Medicare? Do you mean “original” Medicare? See our video and Medicare Publication 10050 for an explanation of “Original” Medicare. Basically original Medicare means Part A Hospital and Part B outpatient.

      Part B Hospital has a base premium of $148/month.

      4. What type of supplement plan did you want?
      Medicare Advantage?

      Medi Gap?

      5. In general, Medi Gap might run say $150 to $180 for someone turning 65 in California.

      Medicare Advantage in many counties in CA have Zero premium and include Part D Rx.

      Under Medicare Advantage, you basically turn in your Medicare Card and get your services from the Medicare Advantage plan, not original Medicare. Medicare Advantage MUST be equal to or better than original Medicare.

      If you are not in CA, email us and we can give you a referral directory.

      Also, please double check that you have an eligible enrollment period as you should also have been eligible for Part B when you got Part A which should have been in 2016, 2 years after you got SSDI.

      Medi Gap Guaranteed enrollment

      Medicare Advantage Guaranteed Enrollment

      Part B Late Enrollment penalty?

      Part B Enrollment Periods

      Reply

  4. 9 comments on “Social Security Disability – SSDI”

    1. Anonymous says:
       Edit

      I am gathering info for a friend who is late 30’s and is experiencing severe medical symptoms.

      He is seeing a neurologist and currently undergoing tests.

      At worst its ALS, at best MS.

      I have some questions referring to SSDI, SDI and unemployment and if those benefits are taxable income.

      Can you help.

      Reply

      • Everything I know about SSDI is on this page,

        SDI and

        unemployment is on my website.

        I’m in the business of enrolling people in health insurance plans, life insurance, long term care, etc.

        SSDI, SDI nor unemployment compensate me to help you. The Government has paid staff to help you. I don’t know how long you will wait on hold or if they will give you the correct answers though.

        If you ask a specific question on the relevant page of this website, we will research pro bono.

        If you want tutoring or education, we charge $125/hour. We do NOT give any legal, insurance, accounting advice! We do NOT tell you want Insurance Plan to take, where we are not the broker or agent. That requires a different license. If you want tutoring… we need your questions in advance.

        Here’s other pages that might be relevant…

        Medi Cal Eligibility

        Covered CA Quotes

        Medicare after two years on SSDI

        Medi Cal In Home Supportive Services

        Covered CA Income Chart… If income under say $18k it’s Medi Cal, NOT Covered CA

        Why we FEAR friends and parents asking for “help” for competent adults. We’ve had competent adults accuse us of fraud, greed or misleading them for not putting them in Medi Cal! Example 1 * Example 2 *

        Reply
    2. Robert B says:
       Edit

      I’m 66 on sick leave and not retired yet.

      Can I qualify for SSDI.

      I don’t want to start regular Social Security until I’m 67 in February 2020

      Reply
    3. Anonymous says:
       Edit

      Due to a disabling work accident, I retired at age 60 in 2015 and started receiving Social Security Disability benefits.

      I thought the MPIPHP pension/health plan included a prescription plan, making Medicare Part D unnecessary.

      However, my most recent SSDI 1099 indicates $403 was deducted for Part D. Before I spend a few days on hold with SSI, can you please set me straight?

      Reply
    4. Anonymous says:
       Edit

      I am “Retired with Disability” from CalStrs

      I also have enough quarters in to get some social security.

      Since I am disabled, can I get SSDI and then Medicare insurance?

      I am 58-yrs old.

      Reply
    Reply

  6. Can i get DSI [sic] SDI State Disability Insurance and SSI at the same time?

    i am working and getting my SSI at same time. if i become disabled can i get DSI [sic] at the same time?

    Reply

  7. 21 comments on “SSI – Medi-Cal automatic qualification”

    2. My brother and sister-in-law are on Medi-Cal…

      Can they both get SSI…they have no other income except SS?

    3. I am a menifee ca resident receiving ssi..

      when my wife receive her ssi this jan 2020, i now received a letter informing me my medi-cal will be stopped jan 31, 2020.. ..

      why is this ?

    4. I lost Medi-Cal card for my disabled autistic 23 year old son, how do I get a duplicate card?

      • Medi Cal’s FAQ’s say you need to contact the county office

        What county are you in?

        See our Contact Page for Medi Cal. Our pages also include links to the online websites where you can also get an ID card.

        Did Medi Cal assign you to a private insurance company? Then you would check their website.

    5. I went from SSI TO SSDI as a disabled adult child or whatever its called

      i was disabled before 22 years old. i got ssi at 20

      my dad retired fully last December – next thing you know they moved me from SSI TO SSDI

    Reply

    • SSI/SSP Rates
      Effective January 1, 2020
      The Non-Medical Out of Home Care (NMOHC) Payment Standard will be as follows:

      Supplemental Security Income (SSI): $783
      State Supplementary Payment (SSP): $423.37
      Total NMOHC Payment Standard: $1206.37

      Amounts are double for SSI/SSP couples.

      The NMOHC Payment Standard includes the following components:

      Room and board: $520.37
      Care and supervision: $549 maximum
      Amount payable for basic services: $1069.37

      Personal and incidental needs allowance (must be provided to the recipient): $137

      http://caassistedliving.org/provider-resources/and-more/ssissp-rates/

      Reply

  9. If your SSI case is reviewed by the SSA and you tell them that an asset is or was not yours, do they investigate the person you claim owned the asset?

    Can they get information on other people to pursue investigating them, or do they have to get a court order or such to pull another person’s info to check their status?

    If the other person is also receiving SSI benefits, do they automatically have access and the right to look into them?

    In essence are you throwing the other person under the bus and prompting an investigation into them?

    Reply

    • First off, I don’t know if I should be insulted that I’m being asked this question. I don’t know if you are asking me to be an accessory to a crime. Tax Evasion? Even if it’s not a “crime” is it moral and ethical? I’m mandated to take ethics to renew my license. I resent that Covered CA mandates that I help people enroll in Medi Cal without any compensation.

      Let’s take a look at the 23 page application for SSI.

      IMPORTANT INFORMATION–PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

      Failure to report any change within 10 days after the end of the month in which the change occurs could result in a penalty deduction.

      The Social Security Administration will check your statements and compare its records with records from other State and Federal agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service, to make sure you are paid the correct amount.

      We have asked you for permission to obtain, from any financial institution, any financial record about you that is held by the institution. We will ask financial institutions for this information whenever we think it is needed to decide if you are eligible or if you continue to be eligible for SSI benefits. Once authorized, our permission to contact financial institutions remains in effect until one of the following occurs:

      (1) you or your spouse notify us in writing that you are canceling your permission,

      (2) your application for SSI is denied in a final decision,

      (3) your eligibility for SSI terminates, or

      (4) we no longer consider your spouse’s income and resources to be available to you. If you or your spouse do not give or cancel your permission you may not be eligible for SSI and we may deny your claim or stop your payments.

      I declare under penalty of perjury that I have examined all the information on this form, and on any accompanying statements or forms, and it is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

      I understand that anyone who knowingly gives a false or misleading statement about a material fact in this information, or causes someone else to do so, commits a crime and may be sent to prison, or may face other penalties, or both.

      Reply

  10. Everyone has to live somewhere, and a home does not count as an asset for SSI purposes. S0, if someone is receiving SSI benefits and a family member gives – gifts them a home or buys one in the SSI recipients’ name or the money to buy said home, does that gift count as income or count against them in any way?

    Reply

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