Can I receive SSI if I never worked?
Social Security Income (SSI) is a government program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are disabled, blind, or aged, and have limited income and resources. Many people wonder if they can qualify for SSI if they have never worked. The answer is yes, you can still receive SSI even if you have never held a job. However, there are certain requirements and criteria that must be met to be eligible for this program.
Eligibility for SSI
To be eligible for SSI, you must meet specific criteria set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The first requirement is that you must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien. If you are not a citizen, you may still be eligible if you are a lawful permanent resident or have a qualifying non-citizen status.
The second requirement is that you must have limited income and resources. Income includes wages, unemployment benefits, and other types of monetary support. Resources are things you own, such as bank accounts, real estate, and personal property. The SSA has specific limits on the amount of income and resources you can have and still qualify for SSI.
Disability or Blindness
In addition to having limited income and resources, you must also meet the SSA’s definition of disability or blindness. For adults, the SSA considers you disabled if you have a medical condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least one year or result in death, and that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). SGA is defined as work that earns more than a certain amount per month, which is subject to change.
For children, the SSA has a different definition of disability. A child is considered disabled if they have a medical condition that causes severe limitations in their functioning and is expected to last for at least one year or result in death.
Age Requirement
Another requirement for SSI is that you must be age 65 or older, or have a disability or blindness. If you are aged, you must meet the income and resource limits, and you must have lived in the United States for at least five years before applying for SSI.
Applying for SSI
If you believe you meet the criteria for SSI, you can apply for the program by visiting your local SSA office or by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. You will need to provide certain documents, such as proof of citizenship, income, resources, and medical records, to support your application.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible to receive SSI even if you have never worked. The key is to meet the SSA’s requirements for disability or blindness, have limited income and resources, and be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien. If you think you may be eligible for SSI, it is important to apply as soon as possible to ensure you receive the financial assistance you need.
