Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a form of social security that provides a monthly income for individuals with disabilities. They also receive opportunities for employment and independence through the SSI Ticket to Work program. To learn more about what their services entails, please see the frequently asked questions answered below.
Service Information
A person can receive SSI benefits as long as they continue to qualify for them.
SSI is a monthly income given to individuals who qualify. Your monthly payment depends on your income, living situation, things you own, and other factors.
Receiving these services also makes you eligible for Ticket to Work.
Ticket to Work is a career development program for individuals 18-64 years old who have a disability and would like to work. They can provide services to aid in finding employment along with support during employment with the use of authorized employment service providers. For more information on the program, please follow this link: https://choosework.ssa.gov/
To apply for Ticket to Work, call their help line at 1-866-968-7842 to get started.
Supplemental Security Income may be a good fit for you if:
You have a lower income status once they have turned 18
You do not plan to get a full time job upon graduation
To qualify for the Supplemental Security Income, you have to:
Have a diagnosed disability that inhibits you from holding a full time job or becoming fully independent
Have a low income (once an individual turns 18, their parents income will no longer be considered)
Depending on your circumstances, the application process might vary.
Please use this link to answer some questions that will tell you what documents they will ask you to provide for your application: https://www.ssa.gov/apply/ssi
To begin the application, click on this link: https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/dib
If you need help with applying, you can also schedule an appointment by calling +1 800-772-1213 and telling the agent you would like to schedule an appointment to apply for SSI benefits.
Once you apply and submit all of the required documents, a Disability Examiner will review your case and may ask to schedule an evaluation.
When the review is finished, they will mail you a letter with their decision if they have approved or denied your application.
The time that a decision is sent depends on multiple factors. For the state of Tennessee, it averages around 7-8 months.
Supplemental Security Income is free to enroll in. The amount of income you will receive is dependent on your current income, living situation, things you own, and other factors.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
If you still have unanswered questions, you can contact Social Security by phone at 1-800-772-1213.
Where can I find more information?
You can find more information from their website at: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi
Do they have social media I can follow to learn more?
Follow Social Security on Instagram @socialsecurity and like them on Facebook at Social Security Administration!