Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Alabama, you must meet several basic eligibility criteria. SSI is a federally funded program aimed at providing financial assistance to individuals with limited income and resources who are either 65 or older, blind, or disabled. The eligibility requirements can vary slightly based on your specific circumstances, but the core criteria are generally the same across the nation.

Age or Disability

The first major eligibility requirement for SSI is meeting the age or disability criteria. To qualify for SSI benefits, you must be one of the following:

• Age 65 or older: If you are 65 years old or older, you may qualify for SSI regardless of whether you have a disability or not. The program is designed to assist individuals who have limited resources and cannot work because of age-related conditions.
• Blind: If you are legally blind, you may qualify for SSI. The definition of blindness under the SSA is generally defined as having central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in your better eye with the use of a correcting lens, or having a visual field that is limited to 20 degrees or less in the better eye.
• Disabled: To meet the disability requirement, you must have a medically determinable condition that significantly impairs your ability to work. This condition must prevent you from engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), which means you are unable to perform work that provides a certain level of income. Your disability must also be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.

The disability requirement is a significant part of SSI eligibility. For individuals applying based on their disability, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will assess your physical or mental condition using medical evidence, including doctor’s notes, diagnostic tests, and evaluations from healthcare providers. This assessment will help determine whether your condition qualifies under the SSA’s definition of disability.

Limited Income

Another key eligibility requirement is having limited income. SSI is designed for individuals who have little to no income, so your monthly income must fall below the limits set by the SSA. The definition of income includes:

• Wages from employment: If you are working, the income you earn is considered when determining SSI eligibility.
• Social Security benefits: Any benefits you receive from Social Security or other government programs will be counted as income.
• Other income: This can include alimony, child support, rental income, and gifts, among other things.

There are income limits for SSI eligibility, which are adjusted annually. However, the SSA uses a countable income approach to determine how much of your income affects your eligibility. Some income may not be counted fully (such as the first $20 of most income), but it’s essential to stay below the established thresholds.

Limited Resources

In addition to having limited income, you must also have limited resources. The SSA sets a cap on the amount of resources you can have and still qualify for SSI benefits. The resource limits for SSI are as follows:

• $2,000 or less for individuals: If you are applying for SSI as an individual, your total countable resources must be $2,000 or less.
• $3,000 or less for couples: If you are married and applying for SSI with your spouse, your combined resources cannot exceed $3,000.

These resources include cash, bank accounts, investments, and property that you own. However, some resources are not counted when determining eligibility, such as:

• Your primary home: The home you live in is not considered a countable resource.
• One vehicle: One car or vehicle used for transportation is also excluded.
• Personal belongings and household items: Furniture, clothing, and other items typically used in daily living are not counted.

It’s important to note that any resources you hold, such as additional properties, savings, or investments, will count toward your resource limit. SSI is intended to help people who have limited resources, so exceeding the limits in any of these areas may result in ineligibility.

Be a U.S. Citizen or Qualifying Non-Citizen

To qualify for SSI, you must be a U.S. citizen or meet the requirements of a qualified non-citizen. Non-citizens must meet additional criteria, including:

• Lawfully admitted for permanent residence: If you are a non-citizen, you must be lawfully admitted to the U.S. and meet the SSA’s criteria for non-citizens.
• Resident status: You must reside in the U.S. or the Northern Mariana Islands at the time of your application.

Some non-citizens may not be eligible for SSI based on their immigration status, but there are exceptions for certain groups, such as refugees, asylees, and those with specific types of visas. For those who are not U.S. citizens, proving your eligibility may involve providing proof of legal status, which can include documentation such as a Green Card, a visa, or a work permit. Each case is evaluated on its own merits.

Live in Alabama

While SSI is a federal program, the state of Alabama may provide additional financial support through a state supplement for some SSI recipients. However, to qualify for SSI in Alabama, you must be a resident of the state and not absent for a full calendar month or for 30 consecutive days.

• Residency: You must live in Alabama at the time of application and for the duration of your eligibility. If you are applying for SSI and live in Alabama, you are subject to the state’s residency rules.

If you move out of state, you may lose eligibility for the state supplement or your SSI benefits, depending on where you move. If you are planning to travel or live outside Alabama for an extended period, it’s essential to inform the SSA.

Have a Qualifying Disability (If Under 65)

If you are under age 65 and applying based on disability, you must meet the SSA’s definition of disability. To qualify for SSI benefits, your disability must meet the following criteria:

• Medically determinable physical or mental impairment: You must have a diagnosed medical condition, either physical or mental, that impairs your ability to work.
• Prevents Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): The disability must prevent you from engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). SGA refers to work that generates a certain level of income, which in 2025 is generally $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals.
• Duration requirement: The disability must last, or be expected to last, at least 12 months, or it must result in death.

The SSA evaluates disabilities based on medical records, doctor’s statements, and sometimes consultative exams. The assessment process can take time, and it’s crucial to provide all the necessary documentation to support your claim.

Apply Correctly and Thoroughly

Applying for SSI can be a complex process, but it’s essential to follow the correct procedures to ensure that your application is processed efficiently. You can apply for SSI benefits in several ways:

• Online: If you are between the ages of 18 and 65, you can apply online through the SSA website at www.ssa.gov. However, online applications for SSI are limited to those with no recent work history.
• By Phone: You can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment. This is a good option if you need assistance with your application or have questions about the process.
• In Person: You can also apply in person at your local Social Security office. Although you can walk in, it’s best to schedule an appointment ahead of time to avoid long wait times and ensure you have the necessary documents.

Keep Your Records Updated

After applying, it’s important to keep your records updated and stay in communication with the SSA. This ensures that your benefits are not interrupted and that you meet all eligibility requirements.

• Respond quickly to SSA requests: The SSA may request additional information or documentation. It’s important to provide these promptly to avoid delays in processing your claim.
• Keep copies of all documents: Maintain copies of all correspondence, applications, and medical documents you submit to the SSA.
• Report changes in income, resources, or living situation: If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to the SSA. This includes any new income sources, changes in employment, or changes to your resources.
• Follow up on your application status regularly: Stay on top of your application’s progress by contacting the SSA. Regularly checking the status ensures that there are no issues or missing information.

Failure to keep your records updated or respond to SSA requests can result in a denial or loss of benefits, so staying proactive throughout the process is crucial.

Conclusion

Applying for SSI in Alabama requires understanding the eligibility requirements and following the application process correctly. By ensuring that you meet the age, income, and disability requirements, you can increase your chances of qualifying for SSI benefits. If you’re under age 65, having a qualifying disability is essential for your application, and the SSA will assess your eligibility based on medical evidence and work limitations. Understanding the application process, keeping your records updated, and following up on your application will help ensure that you receive the financial support you need to live with a disability or limited income.