Applying for SSI in Florida? Here’s What You Need to Know

Supplemental security income (SSI) is a program that provides monthly payments to disabled adults and children with limited income or resources. Since it’s administered by the Social Services Agency (SSA), its funding comes from the federal government. As such, the rules are pretty much similar anywhere in the US, including Florida. So if you’re planning to apply for SSI in Florida, know that the process and eligibility criteria is the same as in any other state. The only difference is the state-sponsored benefits. In Florida, most SSI beneficiaries are also eligible to receive other government benefits to supplement their SSI benefits. But before submitting your application, here’s what you need to know about getting SSI benefits in Florida.

Who Qualifies for SSI in Florida?

The SSI is one of the two programs implemented by the SSA for disabled people. The other one is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), a disability benefit geared for people who have paid enough social security taxes. Those who can’t qualify for social security disability benefits may apply for SSI disability benefits, provided that they have limited income and resources (the things they owned). Though people who are 65 years and older without disabilities may also qualify for SSI as long as they meet the financial qualifications. In the context of applying for SSI benefits, “limited” income and resources means that the applicant is not earning more than the SSA’s income threshold. This threshold changes frequently. For 2022, your resources must be $2,000 or lower. If you and your spouse are both eligible, your combined resources must not exceed $3,000. Aside from the income and resources requirement, an eligible applicant:

• must be at least 65 years old
• is blind or has a physical or mental disability that prevents them from doing any type of gainful employment and is expected to last for at least a year or result in death
• is a US citizen
• be legally residing within the US or the Northern Mariana Islands
• must not be confined to an institution supported by government funds (i.e. hospital or prison)
• have stayed in the country for a full calendar month or 30 or more consecutive days

Non-citizen residents may also avail of SSI benefits if they meet pertinent requirements for qualified aliens. Your living arrangements may also affect your eligibility for SSI. In general, you’ll only qualify for SSA benefits if you live in:

• a publicly-operated community residence with less than 16 residents
• a public institution mainly to attend an approved re-employment training
• a public emergency shelter for the homeless
• a public or private institution (like nursing homes) where Medicare pays for more than half of the cost of your long term care

People with records of felony or arrest warrants for escaping from custody or flight escape are usually not eligible for SSI.

What Counts as Income and Resources

As mentioned, your income and resources play a huge role in determining your eligibility for SSI. But not all of the money you received or everything you owned will count as income and resources. According to the SSA, “income” for SSI purposes includes:

• your earnings from work or business
• royalties
• honoraria
• workers compensation
• veterans disability benefits
• social security benefits
• private pensions
• unemployment benefits
• state disability benefits
• dividends
• interest income
• cash received from family, friends, and relatives
• food and shelter that you got for free or less than their fair market value
• part of your spouse or parent’s income whom you are living with

Certain earnings, however, DO NOT COUNT as income for the month such as: (see full list)

• the first $20 of most income received in a month
• the first $65 of earnings and one-half of earnings over $65 received in a month
• the value of food stamps received
• income tax refund
• home energy assistance
• need-based state assistance benefits

Resources, on the other hand, are basically the things you own. This includes:

• cash
• bank accounts
• US savings bonds
• stocks
• personal property
• vehicles
• land
• life insurance
• anything you owned that can be exchanged for food or shelter

But just like income, there are certain things you own that DO NOT COUNT as part of your resources such as (see full list):

• your home and the land it is on
• one vehicle that you use for transportation
• personal items and household goods
• burial funds for you and your spouse with a value of $1,500 or less
• life insurance policies with a combined face value of not more than $1,500
• burial spaces for you or your immediate family

In general, the higher your countable income and resources is, the lesser your SSI benefit will be.