Do You Qualify for SSI Benefits in Bakersfield?
To qualify for SSI, you must meet strict financial and medical requirements.
Financial Eligibility
To qualify for SSI, you must have limited income and few resources. The SSA looks at the money you earn, as well as any other income you receive, such as pensions or support from family. The SSA also reviews your resources, which include things like cash, bank accounts, and property. The idea is to make sure SSI goes to people who need help covering basic living expenses such as food, clothing, and shelter.
The amount you can receive each month depends on federal and state guidelines. California adds a state supplement to the federal SSI payment, so residents typically receive a slightly higher benefit than the national base rate.
Medical Eligibility
If you’re under 65, you must meet the SSA’s definition of disability:
- Your condition prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity.
- Your disability is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
- Your medical evidence must prove the severity of your limitations.
The SSA reviews both physical and mental health conditions when deciding eligibility. In some cases, a combination of conditions can also meet the disability standard, even if no single condition alone would qualify.
If you’re 65 or older, you don’t have to prove a disability to qualify for SSI, but you still need to meet the program’s financial requirements. The SSA recognizes that older adults often face fixed incomes and rising living costs, so SSI is designed to help those who are retired or unable to work but haven’t earned enough through past employment to receive Social Security retirement or disability benefits.
Because SSI rules can be confusing, working with an experienced SSI attorney can help you understand the eligibility requirements and give you the best chance of approval.
