SOCIAL SECURITY Q&A: What are the qualifications to receive Supplemental Security Income?

• Social Security Q and A

Social Security Q and A

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Q. My newborn has serious health problems, and a nurse said I should call Social Security. Why? I do not receive Social Security.

A. Healthy or not, children younger than 18 can receive Social Security through a parent’s record if that parent receives retirement, disability or is insured for survivors benefits upon death. Of more immediate interest to you, Social Security also administers Supplemental Security Income, a different national program for the aged and disabled that includes benefits for severely disabled children.

Unlike Social Security, SSI is based on financial need. Family income and resource levels first have to be met before medical issues are considered. For SSI, not all family income or resources count as being available to the applicant because portions are allocated to other family members. In North Dakota and Minnesota, medical assistance eligibility is established by the county social services, but people eligible for SSI are usually eligible for it. For more information, log on to www.socialsecurity.gov or call (800) 772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Q. How much is the maximum Supplemental Security Income amount?

A. Starting with SSI benefits for January 2012, the maximum SSI amount payable to an individual adult or child will be $698 dollars per month. The maximum payable to a couple if both people are eligible will be $1,048 per month. Maximum monthly 2011 amounts are $674 to an individual and $1,011 to an eligible couple. Other income, including Social Security benefits, reduces these amounts.

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