Cash assistance helps families with children reduce household expenses and maintain affordable, stable housing. According to recent studies, the average cost of raising a child from birth to 17 is $233,610, with the most significant expenses including housing, food, education, and healthcare. This has left many families struggling to find relief.
Fortunately, several cash assistance programs and other forms of financial relief can help lift some of the financial burdens from families just like yours. This guide is here to help you take a closer look at the assistance you might qualify for.
The SSI program is funded through general tax revenues rather than Social Security tax, and you may be eligible to receive benefits even if you currently receive retirement or Social Security Disability benefits. If you or your child is disabled and qualifies for both programs, you can receive SSI disability benefits in addition to your previous benefit amount.
SSI cash assistance amounts are determined by many factors, including your income, resources, expenses, and the state you live in. Some states provide additional SSI payments to qualifying applicants.
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides monthly cash assistance from SSA to applicants who are blind, disabled, or at least 65 years old that:
- Have limited income
- Have limited sources
- Are United States citizens, nationals, or are a qualifying noncitizen
- Live within the United States or the Northern Mariana Islands.
The SSI program is funded through general tax revenues rather than Social Security tax, and you may be eligible to receive benefits even if you currently receive retirement or Social Security Disability benefits. If you or your child is disabled and qualifies for both programs, you can receive SSI disability benefits in addition to your previous benefit amount.
SSI cash assistance amounts are determined by many factors, including your income, resources, expenses, and the state you live in. Some states provide additional SSI payments to qualifying applicants.
Application methods for the Supplemental Security Income program are different depending on who is applying for benefits:
Disabled Adults Under Age 65: You may apply for SSI cash assistance online, by phone, or at your local Social Security office. To apply online, use the SSI client portal to complete your application. Alternatively, you can call the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment by phone.
Additionally, you can complete your application at your local Social Security office. To save time, schedule your appointment ahead of your visit. Regardless of how you apply, you will need to provide information and documentation alongside your application.
Disabled Children Under Age 18: The first step to applying for SSI cash assistance benefits for disabled children is to complete a Child Disability Report. You can complete this report online or by phone by calling 800-772-1213. The report will take around one hour to complete and will gather important information about your child’s disability and how it impacts their lives and function.
After completing the report, you will need to complete a release form that gives their doctor permission to provide the SSA with supporting documentation. Finally, the Social Security Administration will call you within three to five business days after completing your report to start the application process.
Adults Ages 65 and Older: You can apply for cash assistance from the SSA by phone or in person at your local Social Security office. You will not be able to apply online. You can apply by phone by calling 800-772-1213. Should you choose to apply for benefits in person, you can save time by contacting your local office before your visit.
By Admin –
