Qualifying Reasons for Social Security SSI

The Social Security Income program is commonly referred to as "SSI." You or your spouse must have worked in a job that is covered by social security to be eligible to receive any benefits through the program. There are several ways a person can qualify.

How to Qualify for Social Security Income Benefits

• You are eligible for benefits if you are age 65 or older, blind or disabled. The age limit will not apply if the applicant can prove they are disable and unable to work. The disability must be proven and has to last as least a year or more to be considered as a viable reason to receive the benefit.


• The potential recipient must have limited income and limited resources to qualify. Limited resources would include all cash on hand and in bank accounts, stocks and savings bonds. Income would include any money made from working, money received from other sources to pay your bills and free food or shelter.


• The recipient must be a U.S. citizen or national. If you are not a citizen you may still meet the qualification guidelines if you meet the alien eligibility criteria, which can be found under the 1996 legislation and amendments.


• Suffering from statutory blindness is a qualification for the program. A person must have central vision of 20/200 or less in your best eye with the use of corrective lenses. 


• A refugee may quality for social security income benefits if they were admitted to the United States under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. You may contact your local social security office to get clarification of the act to determine if you qualify.