What Benefits Will I Get?
NOTE: Glossary words are highlighted. Click on any glossary word to see its definition.
How much will I get in monthly SSI cash benefits?
The amount of monthly cash benefits you will get depends on:
- your family status (individual or couple)
- your living arrangements
- your income
The maximum monthly SSI benefits for 2010 are:
- Individual: $674
- Couple: $1,011
The SSI benefit you will actually get is the maximum payment amount minus your monthly countable income. The higher your countable income, the lower your SSI benefit. For example, if you are an individual living at home, and you have a monthly countable income of $250, your SSI benefit in 2010 would be $424 a month ($674 minus $250 countable income = $424).
If you live in a licensed adult residential care home, you can get an additional monthly benefit of $100 for an individual, $200 per couple. This is a New Mexico state supplement for SSI recipients. You must apply for this supplement separately with the New Mexico Income Support Division (ISD).
What other benefits will I get?
In addition to SSI cash assistance, you will receive these benefits:
- Health insurance: You will automatically be eligible for Medicaid coverage. You do not need to file a separate application.
- Burial Expenses: You will receive $200 for burial expenses for SSI recipients who die as long as your total resources do not exceed $600.
If I get SSI, am I also allowed to get TANF or General Assistance (GA)?
In general, you are not allowed to get cash assistance from more than one program at a time. You may NOT get TANF and SSI benefits at the same time. But different members of the same family may get TANF and SSI. For example, a parent receiving SSI is not eligible for TANF for himself or herself, but may get TANF for his or her child. If the child is getting SSI, the child cannot get TANF. However, the parent may be eligible to receive TANF.
While you are waiting for the Social Security Administration to decide if you are eligible for SSI, you can apply for and receive General Assistance benefits (See GA). If you are approved for SSI, you must pay back the benefits received for GA from your first SSI check.
Are there emergency SSI benefits that I can get the same day?
If you are having a financial emergency, the Social Security Administration (SSA) can issue an "emergency advance payment" or an "immediate payment" the same day. A financial emergency means there is an immediate threat to your health or safety, such as lack of food, shelter, clothing, or medical care.
SSA can make an "emergency advance payment" to new applicants who appear likely to meet all SSI eligibility requirements but have not yet been approved, and who face a financial emergency. If you are approved for SSI, the emergency advance will be deducted from later payments.
If you have already been approved for SSI, but payments have not started or your monthly check did not arrive and you face a financial emergency, SSA can make an "immediate payment" the same day. The local SSA office decides if an emergency exists and if you qualify for an immediate payment.
If I am denied benefits, what should I do?
If you are told that you are not eligible for SSI benefits, you have the right to appeal the decision. An appeal usually takes 3 to 6 months.
To appeal the decision, request an appeal form from SSA by phone (1-800-772-1213), or send a written, signed letter with your Social Security number and reason for the appeal.
If your claim was denied for medical reasons, you may appeal it online at https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/iAppeals/ap001.jsp.
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