CITIZENSHIP AND SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME BENEFITS

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has specific requirements for individuals who would like to receive Supplemental Security Income (SI) benefits. One of the criteria deals with the citizenship of an applicant. In order for individuals to be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) they have to be citizens or nationals of the United States or non-citizens who meet the alien qualification criteria under the 1996 legislation and amendments.

Non-Citizen Eligibility
Non-Citizens must be in a qualified alien category which the Department of Homeland Security designates. There are seven distinct categories that a non-citizen may fall into to be considered to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Not only do non-citizens have to be in a qualified alien category; they also have to meet certain conditions as a qualified alien to be eligible for Supplement Security Income (SSI) Benefits. Some of the conditions include individuals are Lawfully Admitted for Permanent Residence (LAPR) with 40 qualifying quarters of earnings, the individual has been lawfully residing in the United States on August 22, 1996 and is blind or disabled, along with other specific conditions.

Non-Citizens must meet the criteria as described above, as well as meet all of the regular requirements for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Some of the requirements include aged (65+), or child that meets specific criteria, limited income, resources, be either blind or disabled, not being absent from the United States for a full calendar month or thirty (30) consecutive days or more, not confined to hospital or prison, files an application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), gives approval for the Social Security Administration to contact financial institutions and request financial records. The rest of the requirements can be found on the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) website.

If you are a non-citizen and (SSI) and believe that you fit the requirements of a qualified alien and the related conditions, contact your local Social Security Administration (SSA) Office to begin the process and get any questions answered.