The New Year has brought new life changes for many Oklahoma residents. Some are experiencing new or existing challenges as well, however, including those who are facing financial hurdles. This is particularly true for older individuals who are disabled and living on a limited income.
Fortunately, help is available for certain individuals who are facing these financial challenges. If a person is over 65 years old and is blind or has a disability, they can apply for Supplemental Security Income, otherwise known as SSI benefits.
To be approved for SSI benefits, certain limitations apply to a person’s income and resources. The income limits vary depend on where a person lives. In general, the first 20 dollars a month in income a person receives, along with the first 65 dollars earned from work and half the amount over 65 dollars earned from work, do not count in the income determination. SNAP benefits or shelter from private nonprofit organizations also do not count against the person.
When it comes to the resources test, SSI benefits may be available if the person has resources of less than 2,000 dollars. This amount is raised to 3,000 dollars for couples. Like income, there are certain resources not counted against the person, including their home, car, certain life insurance policies and certain burial plots and funds.
There are other rules that also apply to be approved for SSI benefits, and therefore individuals should understand all of the requirements they must satisfy in order to be approved. After meeting these requirements, individuals can get the New Year started off right by obtaining the financial help they need.
Source: Social Security Administration, “Supplemental Security Income (SSI),” accessed on Jan. 3, 2015