When it comes to available government assistance options, there are several different programs.
Each opportunity can assist in its own unique way.
There are two federal programs in particular that can assist Americans that need relief.
These programs would be Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
These programs can offer a lot of relief to their recipients; it is also easier to be eligible for assistance than most people think.
You can gain a lot from one of these federal assistance options and not even know it!
What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Let us start with Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
SSI is a program that the federal government provides.
The United States Treasury funds the program with general funds.
However, the United States Social Security Administration (SSA) is the agency that offers and administers the program.
This program is created to assist individuals that are either senior citizens or people with disabilities.
But, this is only in the case that they have low-income/limited resources.
It can assist by offering cash to recipients who can use that cash towards necessities, which include food, housing, clothes, etc.
Who Qualifies for SSI?
Not all people can be eligible for this program.
Instead, only the individuals who meet specific eligibility requirements can qualify for SSI.
First, the applicant must not have enough resources and income.
They will also need to have a qualifying citizenship status.
After meeting those 2 requirements, in order to benefit from this opportunity individuals will need to meet at least one of the following conditions:
- Have an eligible disability
- Be at least the age of 65
- Be blind
Additionally, other factors can influence your eligibility, such as your marital status or certain family members.
Applying for the SSI Program
If you are interested in applying for the SSI program, you will want to look through the eligibility requirements before you start applying online.
You can also contact the SSA for any questions you might have through their phone number at 1-800-772-1213 (or TTY 1-800-325-0778 if you have difficulty hearing or are deaf).
Once you verify the eligibility requirements, you can either apply online, through the phone, or in person.
It is important to keep in mind that you might not be able to apply by each method.
Your area might have a different application process, as opposed to another area.
The best you can do is apply as soon as possible since these applications do not cost a thing!
Personal Information for Your SSI Application
When you present an application, you will need to provide personal information. Some personal information that you will provide includes:
- Details such as your name and social security number
- Your birth date
- The mailing address and phone number of the person trying to receive SSI
What is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
Let us discuss the Social Security Disability Insurance program.
This option provides benefits to people and their qualifying household members if they have insurance.
If you want to be insured, you will need to have worked long enough, recently enough, and have paid off Social Security taxes on what your wages were.
Additionally, you would need to have an eligible disability.
Applying for SSDI
If you want to gain from the SSDI program, then you will need to apply.
You have the option to apply online, through the phone, or by an in-person visit.
Typically, the disability benefits application process will be:
- Gather your information and required documents to apply. You can ensure that you have the right documents by looking through the Adult Disability Checklist. Additionally, you can verify your documents through your local Social Security office.
- Now that you gathered your information, you can finish your application. Once you finish it you will need to submit it. The best part is that the SSDI applications are free of charge!
- The SSA will review your application to make sure you are eligible. This could include meeting the eligibility requirements, looking through your employment history, reviewing current work activities, and more.
- Once your application is reviewed, it will go to the Disability Determination Services office in your state.
- Finally, your state agency will make the final decision of your disability determination to figure out whether you are eligible or not.
To figure out the status of your application, you can check your “my Social Security account.”
If you find it challenging to look through your application’s status online, then you can also call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., from Monday through Friday.
If they made a decision that you do not agree with, you have the right to appeal.
You should request your appeal in writing within 60 days of getting your decision.
Personal Information for Your Application
When it comes to your application, you will need to prepare yourself to present a wide range of information.
This could include personal information, information on your medical condition, and employment information.
When it comes to personal information, you can assume to present details such as:
- Your date of birth and Social Security number
- Names and birth information of kids that are younger than the age of 18
- Information on your financial situation
- Personal information on your spouse such as their date of birth, marriage information, etc.
- Personal information of an individual that is well-informed on your medical condition and diagnosis
- Detailed information on your medical condition such as your doctors’ names, medications, the dates of medical procedures, etc.
- How much you earned the previous year and the current year
- A list that includes all of the dates of employment for up to 5 jobs that you have had in the last 15 years before you could not work
- Information about workers’ compensation or other benefits that have been filed (or information on cases that you expect to file)
Americans Can Receive Checks Worth Up To $3,822: Who Can Receive Them?
SSDI benefits can offer $3,822 a month in 2024, at most.
There are very few people that can get the maximum amount.
Typically, individuals can get benefits that are closer to the average amount.
The average amount for the SSDI benefit is $1,537.
If you want to receive the maximum amount, then you should contact your local Social Security office.
From there, the office can offer answers to any questions you might have.
In Conclusion
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a wide range of available assistance options. Two programs that can assist are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Each of these programs can offer relief to eligible individuals.
The specific details of each program such as who can get benefits and the amount of the benefits will differ.
In 2024, there are some Americans that can receive checks up to $3,822 per month, if they can get the maximum SSDI benefit, but very few individuals can receive the maximum amount.
Most people can get benefits closer to the average amount, which is $1,537.
In case you have any questions, you should contact your local Social Security Administration office.
