Imagine this scenario: Awhile back, you got into a pretty serious car accident. Your recovery included a few surgeries and outpatient visits, not to mention countless hours of physical therapy. Right now, you are miles ahead of where you started, but still not quite able to go back to work.
How being homeless can affect SSI benefits
It is an unfortunate reality that there are many homeless people in New Jersey. Some of them are ill, have various personal and professional issues or became homeless for a variety of unforeseen and understandable reasons. These individuals and their families might think there are few, if any, programs to help them. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) can provide Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to people who are homeless and meet the qualifications to get benefits.
What are issues that can hinder eligibility for SSI benefits?
When a New Jersey resident meets the basic requirements to get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at 65 or older, disabled or blind, it does not automatically mean they will still be able to get SSI benefits. There are disqualifying issues that can hinder a person from getting SSI. It is important to know these, so the person can rectify that hindrance and then be eligible for benefits.
What is Ticket to Work under Social Security disability?
New Jersey residents who are receiving Social Security disability benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income might want to try and work. However, they are reluctant due to a fear that they will lose essential benefits and not be able to get them back if they try to work and are unable to do so. This is where the Ticket to Work program can be beneficial. There are work incentives with Ticket to Work. These can let the person retain some cash benefits, Medicaid or Medicare as they try to get back into the workforce. Those taking part in Ticket to Work need not worry if they try and cannot keep working because they can get their benefits again.
If I got SSI benefits as a child, what happens when I turn 18?
Supplemental Security Income is a program that provides benefits to people who are disabled, blind or 65 and older and meet certain requirements for income and resources. It is also available to children who meet the criteria to get benefits. What New Jersey residents who receive SSI benefits as children should be aware of is that there will be a redetermination when they turn 18. This does not automatically mean that the person cannot get SSI benefits any longer when turning 18.
What are the rules for reporting wages when I get SSI benefits?
New Jersians whose financial and disability circumstances meet the requirements to receive Supplemental Security Income should know that the Social Security Administration must receive information to ensure that the SSI benefits are warranted. That means it is necessary for a person getting SSI and SSI-related benefits must report their income to the SSA. This is important because SSI is based on need for those who are disabled, blind or 65 and older. It hinges on the income that the recipient has available. If that income surpasses a certain amount, they will no longer be able to get SSI.
