Supplemental Security Income (SSI) In Pennsylvania

What is SSI?

SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, is a federal program that provides monthly cash payments to people in need. SSI is for people who are 65 or older, as well as for blind or disabled people of any age, including children.

To qualify you also must have little or no income and few resources. This means that the value of the things you own must be less than $2,000 if you are single or less than $3,000 if you are married. The value of your home does not count. Usually, the value of your car does not count. And the value of certain other resources, such as a burial plot, may not count either.

To get SSI, you also must apply for any other cash benefits you may be able to get.

You must live in the United States or Northern Mariana Islands to get SSI. If you are not a U.S. citizen, but you are a resident, you still may be able to get SSI. For more information, ask for a copy of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) For Noncitizens (Publication No. 05-11051).

The state of Pennsylvania adds money to the federal SSI payment unless you live in a Medicaid facility. A single payment which includes both the federal SSI payment and the supplement from Pennsylvania is issued to residents of domiciliary care homes and personal care boarding homes.

If you live independently or in someone else’s household you receive a separate payment from Pennsylvania in addition to your federal SSI payment.

Medical assistance

If you get SSI, you usually can get medical assistance (Medicaid) automatically. If you have questions about Medicaid, contact your local county assistance office.

Food stamps

If you get SSI, you may be able to get food stamps. Food stamps can be used to help you buy more food without spending more money. However, Social Security does not decide if you can get food stamps. If you live in a household where everyone is applying for or getting SSI, you can apply for food stamps at a Social Security office. If not, you must apply at your local county assistance office.

Other social services

Other services you may be able to get through the local county assistance office include:

• Information, referral and follow-up services;
• Assessment of service needs; and
• Liaison with service providers.

For more information, contact your local county assistance office.

Monthly SSI payment amounts

Not all SSI recipients receive the maximum amount. Your payment may be lower if you have other income.