Individuals with minimal options for supporting themselves may qualify for Supplemental Security Income. They must be age 65, blind or disabled to qualify for SSI. These individuals need to apply for the benefits either online or in person. The applicant provides a birth certificate, proof of income, documentation regarding his assets, and medical history information for the Social Security Administration to use when determining his eligibility to receive SSI. The applicant also needs to respond to interview questions asked by the representative.
Basic Information
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Many of the questions asked by the representative refer to basic information regarding the applicant. These include the applicant's name, gender, birth date and Social Security number. This information allows the Social Security Administration to verify the identity of the applicant and match him to their records. The representative also needs to know the applicant's contact information, such as address or phone number. This allows the representative to follow up with the applicant regarding additional questions or the status of application.
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Bank Account Information
The Social Security Administration makes all payments to recipients for SSI through electronic deposits. The agency asks for the applicant's bank account information, both the routing number and the account number for the account, which it would use to make the payment. If a potential applicant does not have a bank account, the Social Security Administration may issue payments to a debit card issued to the recipient.
Income
The representative asks the applicant questions about his income. Supplemental security income recipients need to meet specific income requirements to qualify. In 2011, qualifying recipients could earn a maximum of $1,433 or receive $694 of unearned income per month. Married couples could earn a maximum of $2,107 or receive up to $1,031 of unearned income. Earned income includes wages or self-employment income. Unearned income includes retirement benefits, workers' compensation or annuities. Most applicants with higher income levels will be denied. However, applicants with higher earnings may qualify if their state contributes to the federal SSI payment.
Assets
The applicant needs to respond to questions regarding his assets or items he owns. The Social Security Administration considers assets as available resources to support the applicant. He may own up to $2,000 of personal assets or $3,000 for a married couple. Certain assets are exempt from this consideration, such as the home where he lives, a car or burial plots.