Supplemental Security Income (SSI), not to be confused with Social Security retirement or disability benefits, is a means-tested federal program which many of my clients benefit from. The program is run by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
I just wanted to take this opportunity to share several SSI facts that are not well-known by the general population...
* In order to be "categorically" eligible for SSI, you must be disabled by a medically-determinable physical of mental impairment, but impairment due to drug and/or alcohol addiction no longer counts as a "mental impairment".
* SSI benefits are not subject to garnishment, except for child support wether it is court-ordered or voluntary.
* The amount of your SSI benefit depends on your living arrangements and family status.
* Generaly speaking, an SSI beneficiary must be a U. S. citizen. However, there are several exceptions (too lengthy for a mere blog post), so check with your local SSA office for all the details.
* There are income limitations in regards to SSI eligibility, but the first $20 of monthly income is ignored by SSA.
* There is a $2,000 asset limitation for the SSI program, but a car used to transport the disabled person is ignored by SSA.