Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a nationwide program that provides monthly financial help to people with limited resources who are 65 or over, blind or living with a disability.
SSI rules and regulations are overseen by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Military veterans can qualify for SSI, but the eligibility standards are generally the same as for non-veterans.
How SSI applies to veterans
Military service alone does not make someone eligible for SSI. Veterans must still meet the same income and asset limits as other applicants. It’s important to note that payments from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), such as disability compensation or pensions, count as income for SSI purposes. This means they can lower the SSI payment a veteran receives. Certain types of assistance, like some state-funded benefits, may not reduce SSI amounts.
Different purposes
Although both programs provide support, they serve different purposes. VA disability benefits are only for veterans with medical conditions linked to their military service and are not based on financial need. SSI, as noted, is a needs-based program, regardless of service history. It is possible to receive both, but SSI will be reduced by the amount of VA benefits.
The SSA offers an expedited review process for service members who became disabled while on active duty on or after October 1, 2001. This is part of the Wounded Warriors initiative. Even with faster processing, veterans must still meet SSI’s disability, income and resource requirements.
While SSI does not have a separate process for veterans, certain service-related circumstances can speed up the application process. Anyone who has questions or issues involving navigating these two programs should learn more about them to help ensure that they’re getting the maximum benefits to which they’re entitled.