About Mental Illness

What Documents Do I Need To Apply For SSI

You may not need all of the following documents. Sometimes one document can substitute for another. The lists are not all-inclusive. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will tell you what you need and what other documents are acceptable. They will help you get them if you are having trouble.

SOCIAL SECURITY CARD OR NUMBER

You will need to apply for a Social Security number if you do not have one.

PROOF OF AGE

a public birth record recorded before age 5;

a religious birth record recorded before age 5; or

other documents showing your age or date of birth.

NOTE: If you already proved your age when you applied for Social Security benefits, you do not need to prove it again for SSI.

CITIZENSHIP OR ALIEN STATUS RECORD

If you are a citizen, examples of documents you may need are:

birth certificate showing you were born in the U.S.; or

religious record of birth or baptism showing your place of birth in the U.S.; or

naturalization certificate; or

U.S. passport; or

certificate of citizenship.L/li>

If you are an alien, examples of documents you may need are:

a current immigration document; e.g., an I-551 (Permanent Resident Card); or

I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record).

If you are an alien who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces, you may need your military discharge paper (form DD-214).

PROOF OF INCOME

If you have income, you may need to provide the following:

earned income - payroll stubs, or if self-employed, a tax return for the last tax year.

unearned income - any records you have (e.g., award letters, bank statements, court orders, receipts) showing how much you receive, how often, and the source of the payment.

work expenses.

PROOF OF RESOURCES

bank statement(s) for all checking and savings accounts.

deed or tax appraisal statement for all property you own besides the house you live in.

life or disability insurance policies.

burial contracts, plots, etc.

certificates of deposit, stocks, or bonds.

car titles or registrations.

PROOF OF LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

lease or rent receipt.

names, dates of births, medical assistance cards or social security numbers for all household members.

deed or property tax bill.

information about household costs, food, utilities, etc.

MEDICAL SOURCES (If you are filing as blind or disabled)

medical reports, if you have them.

names, addresses, and telephone numbers of doctors, hospitals and other providers of medical services to you.

OTHER SOURCES

If you are applying as a disabled child, or on behalf of a disabled child, SSA will need the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of people (teachers, caregivers) who can provide information about how the disabled child's medical condition affects his or her day-to-day activities.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

Do not wait to apply. If you think you may be eligible for SSI, you should contact SSA right away. The earliest they will pay SSI is the month after the filing date of your application. SSA may use the date you contact them as the filing date. If you do not have all of the things they need, you can get them later.

SSA needs to see the original documents. They do not accept photocopies. They will return the original documents to you.

Try to keep a copy of things you send to them. Keep track of the dates you send information to SSA, or talk to them, as well as the name of the Social Security employee with whom you spoke.

THIS INFORMATION IS GENERAL. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), OR CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE.

Click Here For Additional Information

Source: Social Security Website: Understanding Supplemental Security Income Home Page

Link: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/text-understanding-ssi.htm


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