It can be tough to know when you turn 65 years old that you are not eligible for Social Security retirement benefits. This often happens when you have started working late for different reasons. For example, if you were looking after a family member or you moved to the USA a few years ago. SSI benefits may help you.
For your information, the SSI is a Federal program. It stands for the Supplemental Security Income benefit. Some people may qualify for their disability if they are younger than 65 years old. Others are eligible because they are blind. Many get these payments because they are 65 or older. But all of them must meet income and other requirements.
SSI eligibility criteria
If you are 65 years old, you meet one of the essential requirements. Secondly, you must have a limited income. Third, you must also have limited resources and the conditions are not over.
Please note that SSI benefits are only for United States citizens. U.S. nationals and certain non-citizens who meet additional criteria may also be eligible for Supplemental Security. Check if you are in the necessary category granted by DHS (Department of Homeland Security).
Being a resident of any of the 50 States is mandatory. If you are currently living in the Northern Mariana Islands or in the District of Columbia, you may also be eligible for SSI.
Additional conditions to get SSI and payment amounts
It is essential to be present in the United States to get Supplemental Security Income payments. Therefore, you cannot be absent from the U.S. for a full calendar month, that is, 30 days in a row.
If you are confined to an institution, you will not be eligible for this benefit. Filing an application is compulsory. Besides, you will have to allow Social Security to check your financial records. Other conditions may apply, check it at: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-eligibility-ussi.htm.
On average, Supplemental Security payments are worth $714 after the 2025 COLA increase. If you qualify for the full amount, you can receive up to $967. Married couples can get up to $1,450 if they both qualify.
