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Supplemental Security Income (SSI) |
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Understanding Supplemental Security Income
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Under What Circumstances May an Alien Be Eligible for SSI Benefits? |
An alien may be eligible for SSI benefits if he or she meets the requirements of the laws for non–citizens that went into effect on August 22, 1996. In general, beginning August 22, 1996, most aliens must meet two requirements to be potentially eligible for SSI benefits:
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Who is a Qualified Alien? |
There are seven categories of qualified aliens. You are a qualified alien if the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says you are in one of these categories:
In addition, you can be a “deemed qualified alien” if, under certain circumstances, you, your child or parent has been subjected to battery or extreme cruelty by a family member while in the United States. |
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Under What Conditions May a Qualified Alien be Eligible for SSI Benefits? |
If you are in one of the seven qualified alien categories listed above, you may be eligible for SSI benefits if you also meet one of the following conditions.
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Exemption |
Certain categories of non–citizens may be eligible for SSI benefits and are not subject to the August 26, 1996 law. These categories include:
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Additional Eligible Alien Category |
You may be eligible for SSI benefits under certain circumstances if the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Refugee ResettlementOffice of Refugee Resettlement (http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/) determines that you meet the requirements of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000. |
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We Need Proof of Your Immigration Status |
If you file for SSI benefits, you must give us proof of your immigration status, such as a current DHS Immigration Form I–94, DHS Form I–551 or an order from an immigration judge withholding deportation or granting asylum. If you have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, you may also need to give us proof of military service such as U.S. military discharge papers (DD Form 214) showing an honorable discharge. Your local Social Security office can tell you what other types of evidence you can submit to prove your alien status. |
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What if You Have a Sponsor? |
When you entered the United States, you may have had someone sign an agreement with DHS to provide support for you. We call this agreement an affidavit of support, and we call the person who signs it your sponsor. If you have a sponsor, we generally will count his or her (and his or her spouse's) incomeincome and resourcesresources as your incomeincome and resourcesresources. Your local Social Security office can give you more information about these rules and how they apply in your case. |
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Becoming a U.S. Citizen |
You can get more information about becoming a citizen by writing or visiting a local DHS office or calling 1–800–870–3676 to get an application for naturalization (Form N–400). |
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THIS INFORMATION IS GENERAL.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 1–800–772–1213 (TTY 1–800–325–0778),
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OR CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE.
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