Understanding Supplemental Security Income
SSI and Other Government Programs
2008 Edition

Many people who are potentially eligible for SSI benefits do not know how receiving SSI benefits affects receipt of benefits or payments from other government and State programs.

  MEDICAID  

In most states, if you are an SSI beneficiary, you may be automatically eligible for Medicaid; an SSI application is also an application for Medicaid. In other states, you must apply for and establish your eligibility for Medicaid with another agency. In these states, we will direct you to the office where you can file for Medicaid.

Please see the Medicaid site for consumer information.
(www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicaidGenInfo/)

  FOOD  STAMPS  

The food stamp program provides help for low–income households to buy the food needed for good health. In most states, if you receive SSI benefits, you may be eligible to receive food stamps.

If you are applying for or receiving SSI benefits, you may be able to get food stamp information and an application form at your local Social Security office. Offices in California do not process food stamp applications or recertifications.

If all other members of your household have applied for and receive SSI benefits and you apply for SSI benefits, we may help you complete a food stamp application. If you and all other members of your household already receive SSI benefits and food stamps, you may be able to complete the food stamp forms for a recertification at your local Social Security office. SSI benefits count in computing food stamp eligibility.

In some States, the SSI application is also an application for food stamps if the individual lives alone. Please also see our publication, Food Stamps And Other Nutrition Programs.
(www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10100.html)

  TEMPORARY  ASSISTANCE  FOR  NEEDY  FAMILIES  (TANF)  

The TANF program provides cash block grants to states. TANF gives states the flexibility to determine TANF eligibility rules and to set TANF payment amounts.

In a household receiving TANF, we pay SSI benefits only to the blind or disabled adult or child, or age 65 or older member(s).

  AFFORDABLE  HEALTH  INSURANCE  FOR  CHILDREN  WHO  
  NEED  IT  

Medicaid provides free health coverage to most low–income children through State Children's Health Insurance Programs. Contact your local state or local medical assistance (Medicaid) agency, social service office, or welfare office for more information.

  STATE  OR  LOCAL  ASSISTANCE  BASED  ON  NEED  

Some states offer State or local assistance based on need to aged, blind, and disabled people through the State welfare department.

The State may require you to apply for SSI benefits if you receive State or local assistance based on need.

If we approve you for SSI benefits, your state or local public assistance payments will usually stop. Your state may be entitled to collect part of your retroactive SSI benefits as repayment for the money they paid you while we processed your SSI claim.

  SOCIAL  SECURITY,  MEDICAID  AND  MEDICARE  

Many people receive both SSI and Social Security benefits.

Medicaid is linked to receipt of SSI benefits in most States. Medicare is linked to entitlement to Social Security benefits. It is possible to get both Medicare and Medicaid.

States pay the Medicare premiums for people who receive SSI benefits if they are also eligible for Medicaid.

If you get SSI and have Medicare, you will also be eligible for extra help without filing a separate application. See our web site at: Help With Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs.
(www.socialsecurity.gov/i1020/)

  STATE  PROGRAMS  THAT  HELP  WITH  MEDICARE  COSTS  

You may qualify for help with certain Medicare costs under the programs below if:

	you receive Medicare;
	your income is limited; and
	your resources are not more than $4,000 for one person or $6,000 for a couple.

The limits vary in some states.

Contact your state, county or local medical assistance agency, social service office, or welfare office to find out if you qualify for one of these programs.

1.  Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program

The QMB program helps low–income Medicare beneficiaries by paying Medicare premiums, deductibles and coinsurance.

2.  Specified Low–Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program or Qualifying Individual Program (QI–1)

The SLMB and QI–1 programs will pay Medicare Part B premiums only.

3.  Qualified Disabled Working Individual (QDWI)

The QDWI program will pay Medicare Part A premiums.

If you are under age 65, disabled and no longer entitled to free Medicare Hospital Insurance Part A because you successfully returned to work, you may be eligible for a program that helps pay your Medicare Part A monthly premium.

To be eligible for this help, you must:

	continue to have a disabling impairment;
	sign up for premium Hospital Insurance (Part A);
	have limited income;
	have resources worth less than $4,000 for an individual and $6,000 for a couple, not counting the home where you live, usually one car and certain insurance; and
	not already be eligible for Medicaid.

Some states have different limits.

To find out more about the QDWI program, contact your local, county, or state social service agency or medical assistance office.