You wonder what it takes to qualify for Supplemental Security Income.

That’s a good question that has a lot of parts to the answer.

Here’s a bit of background first.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI), run by the federal government, helps people with limited resources and income. To qualify you must be one of the following:

• 65 or older
• Blind or partially blind
• Disabled (including children)
• Be afflicted with a medical condition that prevents you from holding a job and is expected to affect you for at least 12 months or lead to your death

If you qualify based on any of these stipulations, here’s more you should know.

The 2019 basic monthly payment for those who are approved for SSI is $771 for one person. It’s $1,157 for a couple. Remember that is the basic payment. You won’t necessarily receive that amount.

You could receive a greater amount in Indiana. Our state is among those that administers and pays supplemental payments.

Despite that, you still could have money taken off the basic rate if you or your family brings in any other income.

Remember, we said that SSI is for people of limited resources and income. What exactly does that include? It’s both money you bring in and what you own.

Your income includes:

• Any money you earn from your job
• Social Security income
• Pensions
• Value of what others provide to you, such as housing or meals

Your resources include:

• Possessions of less than a value of $2,000 for one person or $3,000 for a married couple
• Your bank accounts and any investments or the cash you have on hand

Your resources typically don’t include:

• The house you own, as long as you reside in it
• Your car

SSI carries a lot of rules and conditions. You are likely to have a lot of questions. An experienced attorney could answer them for you.