Print & Go
Knowing your state’s SSI program
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In 2019, minimum monthly base rate of $771.
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To find out what current and past year FBR rates were/are, go to https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/cola/SSIamts.html
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To find out more about how your state supplements the federal benefit rate, go to https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-11015.pdf.
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Find out if Medicaid is automatic with SSI in your state.
Establishing financial eligibility
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Part of two-part SSI eligibility test.
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Countable income and resources must be within SSI program limits.
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Other income, after subtracting income exclusions, gets subtracted from SSI base rate (i.e., federal benefit rate plus optional state supplement).
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SSI requires countable resource of no more than $2,000.
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For children under age 18, a part of the parent(s)’ income and resource may be counted to determine SSI eligibility and payment amount.
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At age 18, the SSI program no longer counts any part of the parent(s)’ income and resources.
The Medical Continuing Disability Review (CDR)
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One of two medical reviews all SSI youth may face.
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Most recipients will face a medical CDR every 3 to 5 years.
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Reviewer will look at medical records and other relevant records (including educational records for a child under 18) to determine if there is medical improvement.
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Even if there is medical improvement, SSI will continue unless the improvement means the individual no longer meets the disability criteria.
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If the review results in a termination of benefits, a written notice goes to the recipient explaining appeal rights.
The Age 18 Redetermination
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One of two medical reviews all SSI youth may face.
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At age 18 the SSI beneficiary will have a redetermination to determine if he or she meets the adult standard of disability.
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Unlike the medical CDR which looks for medical improvement, the Age 18 Redetermination is considered a new, initial determination.
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If the review results in a termination of benefits, a written notice goes to the beneficiary explaining appeals right.
Appealing an SSI denial or termination
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An appeal is available if the medical CDR or Age 18 Redetermination results in a termination of benefits.
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The SSI applicant or beneficiary will get a notice of termination.
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The notice will explain how to appeal and the time limits for appealing (generally 60 days after getting the notice).
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The notice will explain how to request that SSI continues during the appeal and the time limits for doing so (generally 10 days after getting the notice).
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When the appeal goes to an administrative law judge (ALJ), SSI can continue until the ALJ issues a written decision.
Establishing disability
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Adults must establish they cannot work at substantial level.
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Children under 18 must establish severe deficits in functional activities at school and at home.
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Both adults and children can establish disability or statutory blindness with medical evidence alone if they meet criteria for a listed impairment. See https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm or https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/ChildhoodListings.htm.