SSI is a Federal, needs-based program of financial assistance to the blind, disabled and seniors over 65. The benefit is adjusted yearly by the federal government, and Massachusetts supplements the SSI benefit to its residents, the amount of which varies by eligibility category. The benefits are less than the poverty level, but more than one would receive from TAFDC.

The asset limit is $2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple, $4,000 for a single parent, $5,000 for two parent families. Assets include bank accounts, stocks and bonds, 401Ks, cash surrender value of life insurance plans, real estate that is not the primary residence of the applicant, applicant’s second car, rental income, and collectibles that can be quickly turned into cash. Assets do not include the applicant’s primary residence, personal and household goods (depending on value), a car (up to $4,500 value - unless required to get one to MD appointments, or to complete ADLs) and burial plots and burial funds up to $1,500 each for the individual and the spouse. There are some legal trusts that people can use to protect some assets. Unlike MassHealth, transferring money into one of these trusts does not impose a period of ineligibility. It is best to apply for SSI in the month after the assets are transferred.

Income for an individual must be less than one would receive in benefits. The maximum benefit in Massachusetts in 1999 is $649.74/month for the blind, $628.82 for the aged and $614.39 for the disabled. The individual can keep the first $20/month of income from any source plus the first $65/month of earned income. Wages affect SSI benefits two months after they are paid. After this time period the first $85 is excepted as noted above, and then half of the remaining gross wages is deducted from the SSI payment. The blind are able to deduct additional working expenses, which allows them to keep more of the benefit if working. For children, the parent’s income is counted. For couples, the spouse’s income is counted, but not dollar for dollar. A sponsored alien’s sponsor’s income is also counted.

The earliest date of eligibility for SSI is the first day of the month following application. Ms. Boulay distributed "Protective Filing Date" forms that can be faxed to her to establish a date of application. These forms will be available in all the main campus Social Service offices with instructions. Patient’s responsibilities when receiving SSI include reporting any changes in income and living situation, and bringing their own interpreter.

When one is approved for SSI there is automatic MassHealth eligibility (not true in most states). MassHealth benefits, in this case, are retroactive for 90 days. An important distinction is that this is different than Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). To be eligible for SSDI one must have worked under social security for a specific number of work quarters, and there is a 5-month waiting period for benefits. SSDI does not include automatic MassHealth enrollment.

Some tips for expediting applications: the Boston Social Security Administration office is in the Tip O’Neill Federal Building on Causeway and Nashua. People from anywhere in the state can start their applications in Boston. Unlike other offices, one claims representative helps people with applications for both SSI and SSDI.

There is a form that a physician can fill out that can be used in emergency cases where the application process must be expedited. She gave out copies of the form, which may be photocopied onto a MD’s letterhead. This can then be faxed to the Boston office - 367-5783. Copies of this form will also be available in the social service hub offices.