Qualifying for SSI and Medicaid or Medi-Cal can be a complex process. At PLBH we understand this and we are here to help you, whether you are applying for the first time or are responding to a denial and going through the appeals process. Keep reading to learn more about this topic. If you have questions or require a legal consultation, contact us at (800) 435-7542 for help.
What is SSI?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program funded by tax revenue – not by Social Security taxes. The purpose is to help older, blind, and/or disabled people who do not have any income or who have very low income. The program provides cash for needs such as housing, food, and clothing.
Who qualifies for SSI?
Qualifying for SSI requires that is at least one of the following: 65 years old or older, blind, or disabled. Additionally, you must be a U.S. citizen or in certain categories of non-citizens, have limited income, and have limited resources. Further requirements for qualifying for SSI include being a resident of the U.S., not absent from the U.S. for more than 30 consecutive days and not confined to an institution.
What does SSI consider “blindness” to be?
SSI considers a person blind if they have central visual acuity for distance of 20/200 or less in your best eye when wearing correcting lens or visual field limitation in your best eye resulting in the widest diameter of your visual field subtends to an angle no more than 20 degrees.
Note that if a person has a visual impairment but it does not meet these requirements, they could still meet the requirements of SSI via the disabled category, described below.
What does SSI consider “disabled”?
The first thing to know is that the SSI disabled requirements are different for children than they are for adults. For those 18 or older, disabled refers to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment. This can include emotional and/or learning issues.
To qualify, the issue must result in the inability to complete substantial gainful activity and is either expected to end in death or last for at least 12 continuous months.
Is SSI Linked to Medi-Cal?
Yes. If you qualify for SSI then you automatically qualify for free, full scope Medi-Cal services. In fact, you do not need to apply for it at all. It is an automatic approval when you are approved for Medi-Cal services.
Can I get help qualifying for SSI and Medicaid or Medi-Cal?
If you have questions and/or need assistance, contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542 for a consultation.