SSI is a program designed to supplement and secure income, either from unearned or earned income sources, up to the current Federal Benefit Rate. SSI is neither earned or unearned income, only a supplement, and the amount of SSI cash benefit depends on the kind (i.e.,earned, unearned, or in-kind support) and amount of income, support, or resources available to the individual.

SSI is a recipient program that ensures cash and/or medical benefits (Medicaid) to pay for basic food and shelter. Even though a person may be in "no-pay" SSI he or she may still retain eligibility for Medicaid and a connection to the SSI Program should income drop below the break even point.

In determining the amount of an SSI cash benefit, Income is counted when the individual is paid not when it is earned.

Eligibility: to be eligible for TITLE XVI based on a mental or physical disability that is expected to last 12 months or result in death, an individual must:

• Have little (under the current SGA amount) or no income;
• No SGA test after eligibility is established;
• Credit for subsidy only at initial application;
• Have limited resources (under $2000; unless your state is a 209B)
• Be considered medically disabled;
• Be a citizen of the United States or a legal alien who is a resident of the country; and,
• File an application.

Cash Benefit (Recipient): The maximum amount for which one can be eligible is the sum of the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) plus any State supplement. This amount may be lower if the individual receives other income.

Medical Coverage: Medicaid (No waiting period.)

Checks Begin: There is no waiting period required before receiving TITLE XVI benefits. Benefits are paid retroactive back to the month of application. No payment is paid for the month of application.

Work Incentives Available While receiving TITLE XVI: Individuals on TITLE XVI can go to work and retain some, if not all of their benefit through the use of the Work Incentive Provisions of the Social Security Act. These include:

• Earned Income Exclusion;
• Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE);
• Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS);
• Student Earned Income Exclusion;
• Blind Work Expense;
• Property Essential to Self-Support;
• 1619(a) and Extended Medicaid [1619(b)]
• Continued payment under a vocational rehabilitation program (Section 301)
• Expedited Reinstatement of Benefits

For amounts that might be changed see our current amounts page.

Checks Stop: An individual who has been receiving TITLE XVI will no longer receive checks when:

• That person is determined to be no longer disabled;
• "Countable Income" exceeds the "Break-even Point" (FBR*2 + EIE & GIE = BEP);
• The threshold amount is earned; or resources exceed the individual limit of $2000.

 

 

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