What can i use ssi money for

This page, Eligibility for SSI and SSDI , is offered by
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission

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Who is eligible?
Eligibility

Who is eligible?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) makes disability payments under 2 programs:

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for workers (and their children or surviving spouses) who have Social Security coverage
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for people with little or no income and resources

The SSA offers a benefits screening tool you can use to check eligibility for these programs, and others. Check out the SSA website to learn more about SSI and SSDI.

If you think you may be eligible for payments, call (800) 772-1213 to file a claim or contact your local Social Security Office . You must contact the Social Security Administration to apply for benefits. If you are looking for an online application for either SSDI or SSI visit ssa.gov. For an update on case status call the Vocational Disability Examiner (VDE) as identified in your introductory claimant letter

OTDA Home Programs & Services SSI/Social Security Disability Benefits

Overview

There are two Federal disability programs:

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a Federal disability income program for adults who have worked and now find themselves unable to work due to a disability.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is Federal program for adults and children who meet the definition of disabled and have limited income and resources. It is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income; and it provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.

Benefits

Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are "insured," meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.

The amount of your monthly benefit is based on your lifetime average earnings covered by Social Security.
Social Security Disability Insurance benefits are paid starting six months from the onset date of the disability, but no more than 12 months prior to application.
A claimant receives monthly benefits deposited directly into their bank account or on a SSA Direct Express Card.

Supplemental Security Income pays benefits based on financial need.

The amount of your monthly benefit is based on your income and resources.
SSI benefits also are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial limits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits may be paid from the month of application.
A claimant receives monthly benefits deposited directly into their bank account or on a SSA Direct Express Card.

Eligibility

Anyone who believes they meet Federal Disability requirements is eligible to apply. Your family members may also receive benefits if you can no longer work due to a medical condition.

You are considered disabled under Social Security rules if:

You cannot work due to a medical condition;
You cannot do work that you did before;
We decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

People who have worked long enough may also be able to receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

Contact

Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) by phone: 1-800-772-1213
Monday-Friday 7:00AM-7:00PM

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call SSA at TTY 1-800-325-0778.

Contact OTDA's Division of Disability Determinations by email:

Contact OTDA's Division of Disability Determinations by mail:

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
Division of Disability Determinations
P.O. Box 165
Albany, NY 12260-0165

You may be wondering if there are limitations for what you can spend your monthly SSI payment on. If you receive SSI payments directly, it’s vital to keep track of how your spending impacts your assets to ensure you do not lose your benefits. If you are a representative payee, you must adhere to specific spending guidelines. Let’s take a closer look.

Ensure Your Resources Are In Line with SSA’s Limits

Overall, the best way to spend your SSI benefits is on necessities like food, housing, healthcare, and other living expenditures.

Yet, you should be wary of the possibility of increasing your assets. The Social Security Administration (SSA) examines each SSI recipient’s “countable resources” to ensure that they are within the program’s restrictions. For example, if you are single, you must have no more than $2,000 in countable resources; if you are married, you must have no more than $3,000.

Buying assets for example, is allowed, but it might increase your assets and push your resources over their limit. Saving money might lead to this, so make sure you stay below the resource restriction if you have savings.

Know How Household Costs Can Impact Your Benefits

Another thing to keep an eye on is your household costs, such as rent, electricity, and mortgage payments. These costs are usually split among the family members. Still, you must pay a fair amount to protect your SSI payment from being reduced by the Social Security Administration. It might be deemed a gain in your resources if someone else, such as a relative, is shouldering your household payments. If you live with your spouse, there is an exemption.

Follow Guidelines if You Are a Representative Payee

Some SSI recipients require the assistance of a representative payee to handle their benefit payments. For example, suppose you are a parent or other SSI representative payee. In that case, you must utilize the monthly payment in the recipient’s best interests.

The SSA has strict expenditure rules to ensure this. One requirement is that the check is used for the recipient’s “maintenance,” and the rep payee must open a dedicated savings account in the recipient’s name to keep the remaining funds in the recipient’s name. Rep payees may also spend the money on other items such as recreational activities or debt repayment, as long as they are in the recipient’s best interests and their basic needs are met.

Need Help with Your SSI Benefits?

Whether you are a direct recipient or representative payee, the SSI benefits requirements can be complicated. If you want to use the money for something other than your essential requirements, be sure you understand how it may affect your benefits. The attorneys at DAM can assist you in clarifying any of your concerns and maximizing your benefit payouts. Call us at 800-949-2900 today for a free, no-obligation consultation.