How to Apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Family to Family Network can provide extra assistance to help you with the initial SSI application – there are a variety of options in our SSI Success Framework:
- At Your Own Pace Online Course ($97) will walk you through each section of the application process
- Group Coaching through the SSI Application process ($297) – Five weeks where you have someone to talk to as you file your application
- Done With You Individually ($1497) – One to One walking your through the application, helping you gather the correct documents, enter the right information on the application, etc.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program for low income elderly and people with disabilities.
Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) is for people that have worked previously and now cannot work due to a disability condition.
At age 18 – Your child will be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if they:
- Have a disability
- That disability prevents them from working at substantial gainful activity level (Or SGA)
Social Security SSI – How to Qualify & Apply
You have downloaded the SSI application. Use the “Blue Book” Listing of Adult Disabilities to describe your child. Just having an IEP in place or a “disability label” does not mean your child has a disability that prevents them from working in the eyes of the Social Security Administration.
Do not apply during the month your child turns 18. SSA may include parental income in the calculation and most likely SSI will be denied. Wait until the first day of the month after they turn 18. Ensure your child does not have any resources greater than $2000. Resources can include checking and savings accounts, savings bonds, & child support. After age 18, child support should be deposited to a special needs trust or ABLE account (You may have to change the divorce decree if it wasn’t set up correctly!!)
There is an online sign up to begin the application process https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/start.html
SSA will send you a confirmation of your application date and then you will wait for them to call you. Please make sure you have completed the SSA 8000 application AND the SSA 3368 Adult Disability Report BEFORE you speak to the Social Security Administration.
After taking your application over the phone, they will send you a copy of your application and request that you send specific documents to your local office. Keep in mind they will reach out to the doctors you list, as well as school personnel. It is important to make sure the people you list are aware of the application process and understand how to answer the request.
When you apply for SSI for your adult child, the first thing SSA does is look to see if your son or daughter qualifies for SSDI. Usually your child does not and you will initially get a letter telling you they do not qualify for SSDI. Don’t panic. That’s OK.
Your child can work, receive SSI, and keep their Medicaid. You must report income monthly. You also need to ensure your child’s checking or saving account doesn’t go over $2000 to keep Medicaid. There are many work incentives that individuals can use to reduce the amount of earned income (to prevent a reduction in the SSI check). Please call our office to learn more. You can also register here for independent training on Understanding SSI & Work Incentives, as well as monthly wage reporting
Please call Family to Family Network if you have questions (713-466-6304).
If you want a step by step guide, consider in enrolling in our learn at your own speed SSI Success Framework course. This course is specially designed for families applying for the first time for youth with disabilities age 18-25.
If you need more personalized assistance – See Extra Assistance.
Retirement or Survivor Benefits
When a parent becomes disabled, dies, or starts drawing their own Social Security Benefits when they retire, how does this change affect the adult/child’s eligibility for other services? This is called retirement or old age and survivors benefits (OASDI).
If the disabled adult child’s monthly income goes up because of receiving retirement or survivor benefits, he or she is in danger of losing services based on income, particularly the loss of adult/child’s SSI, which comes with regular Medicaid benefits. Loss of Medicaid will mean loss of Medicaid Waiver services (CLASS, HCS, DBMD, MCDP, etc.).
However, there is a way to avoid this series of losses:
File an application (H-1200) for the DAC, Disabled Adult Child Program, with Texas Department of Health and Human Services along with supporting documents, i.e. letter of guardianship (or have your child sign it) and copies of bank account statements, etc.
IF you have HCS or TXHML, ask your local authority (MHMRA center) to fax in your new application (they have a fax letter that will attach to the application).
This form should be completed and filed with the HHSC office at PO BOX 149024, Austin, TX 78714 or online at www.yourtexasbenefits.com. If you have questions you may contact any local HHSC office. Remember to complete the form as if your child lived by themselves.
VA & Military Information vs. SSDI
Side by Side Comparison of benefits (pdf)
Other Resources (Listed Alphabetically):