A noncitizen may receive Supplementary Security Income (SSI) if the person meets the requirements of the laws for noncitizens that went into effect on August 22, 1996 and all the other requirements for SSI eligibility, such as the limits on income and resources.
In general, beginning August 22, 1996, most noncitizens must meet two requirements to potentially be eligible for SSI:
There are eight categories of qualified aliens. The categories are:
In addition to the categories described above, certain other aliens may be eligible for SSI. This includes:
A qualified alien is potentially eligible for SSI if he or she meets one of the following conditions:
A refugee, asylee, Cuban and Haitian entrant, Amerasian immigrant, or alien whose deportation or removal is being withheld may be eligible on this basis only during the seven year period beginning on the date status was granted. If, when this period expires, a qualified alien in one of these categories also meets one of the conditions listed above, then SSI may continue beyond the seven-year period. In addition, aliens who are able to become citizens before their seven year period ends may also continue to receive SSI.
If you are a current or former SSI recipient subject to SSI eligibility under the seven-year time limit, we encourage you to contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to find out how to:
You (or your representative) may call USCIS toll-free at 1-800-375-5283 (wait for the SSI option on the main menu), or 1-800-767-1833 if you are deaf or hard of hearing (TTY), and request expedited processing. You also may request expedited processing in writing or by going to the local USCIS office. Be sure to tell them that you are an SSI recipient. To learn more about fee waivers, call USCIS at the toll-free number shown above, contact your local USCIS office or visit the USCIS website.
Your local Social Security office can tell you whether you are eligible. For more information, you may want to call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, and ask for our fact sheet called Supplemental Security Income for Noncitizens.
You may also wish to read our material on alien eligibility in the booklet, Understanding SSI and in the SSI Spotlight on this subject.
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