[Narrator] What is SSI: A Griffin-Hammis Production tailored for Minnesota. Have
you been wondering what SSI is or who can get it? I can clear that up for you. SSI stands
for Supplemental Security Income. It's a program that's run by Social Security. Most people who get
SSI also get a low-cost health insurance called Medical Assistance. If you're eligible for SSI,
Social Security gives you money each month to help you pay for things like food, rent, and utilities.
[Person] Oh, so that's what SSI is. Well, who can get it?
[Narrator] Great question. If you have a disability, low assets,
and low income, you may qualify for SSI. [Person] I do have a disability,
and I don't have very much money. [Narrator] Well, you may already be
receiving SSI. If not, you may be eligible. Let's look at the three requirements for SSI. First,
you have to meet Social Security's definition of disability. They have some pretty specific rules
for this. To qualify for SSI, your disability must be severe, long-term, and limit your ability to
work. If you're under 18, rather than looking at work, Social Security looks at how your
disability limits your daily activities. [Person] I'm pretty sure I meet their
definition of disability. [Narrator] Great. Let's look
at the second requirement. Your assets must be below $2000, or below $3000 if you're married.
[Person] What are assets? [Narrator] Assets are the things you own, like a
house, a bank account, or a car. But not all your assets count. For example, if you own the house
you live in, it won't count. A car you use for transportation doesn't count, either. If you're
under 18, some of your parents' assets may count. [Person] Okay, I think I've got it so
far. What's the third requirement? [Narrator] The third requirement is that
your monthly income must be below the limit, which in 2024 is $943, or below $1415 if you're married.
[Person] Well, what exactly is income? [Narrator] Income is money you get, like a
paycheck from work or a Social Security Disability Benefit. But not all your income counts. For
example, if you have wages, Social Security only counts about half of it. And if you have unearned
income, like a Social Security Disability Benefit, they don't count $20 of it. After the deductions,
if your monthly income is below $943 a month, or below $1415 if you're married,
you may be eligible for some SSI. If you're under 18, some of your parents' income may count.
[Person] Now that I know what the three requirements are,
how can I find out if I'm already getting SSI? [Narrator] It's easy. Just call Social Security
at 1-800-772-1213 and ask. Their TTY number is 1-800-325-0778. Or you can log into your MySSA
account at ssa.gov/signin to see what you get. [Person] Great, I'll totally check that out.
If I'm not getting SSI, how do I apply? [Narrator] You can apply for SSI at a Social
Security office, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or online at ssa.gov/apply. You may also be
eligible for help with applying from one of Minnesota's Social Security benefit
advocates. Call the Disability Hub MN at 1-866-333-2466 to learn more about this.
[Person] Awesome. Now I understand what SSI is and who can get it.
[Narrator] You can learn even more about SSI at mn.db101.org. Read the SSI articles about
eligibility and application. Use the tool called "Your SSI Benefit Calculation" to estimate if
your income is low enough to receive SSI, or get answers to your SSI questions by starting a chat.
Click the chat link at the top or bottom of each page. And if you'd like to talk to someone about
your SSI questions, call the Disability Hub MN at 1-866-333-2466. To see more videos like this one,
go to mn.db101.org. Knowledge is power. Take time to learn more about SSI.