Many Californians who meet the basic requirements to get Supplemental Security Income have one obstacle preventing them from taking part in the program and getting approved: they have too many valuable resources. Before automatically thinking this will end any chance of getting SSI, it is important to understand how selling resources can be helpful in the process.
Understanding SSI and the rules for selling resources
SSI is for people who are at least 65 years old, are blind or are disabled. Their income must be limited to a certain level. This includes their wages, pensions and any other source of income they might have. They must have limited resources.
With resources, the value must not go beyond $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. People who are found to have excess resources could be paid conditionally as they try to sell excess resources to get below the necessary level to be approved. For example, if a person owns real estate, has investments and cash, it cannot go beyond the above levels. The same is true for personal property, like an automobile that is not exempt.
Some resources are not counted when the case is assessed. The applicant can have a home if they reside there. Burial plots and burial funds are not counted. Certain automobiles are excluded, but if the person or persons own a second automobile, it is possible that it would need to be sold to get under the limit.
SSI benefits can be paid for up to nine months as they try to sell the real property. For personal property, they will have up to three months in which they can get SSI benefits. The situation could allow the payments to extend beyond these time frames.
There will be a form the person needs to sign. It is an agreement to sell the property. It is vital to make an honest attempt to sell it. Once the property has been sold, the recipient will need to repay benefits that they receive, but the SSI benefits could continue after the sale.
A consultation can explain how to get approved for SSI benefits
SSI is for people who meet the financial criteria and it does not hinge on having paid into it as other Social Security Disability programs do. Still, just because a person does not earn beyond a specific amount, it does not mean they will be approved immediately. Resources will be assessed. To know how to get SSI while selling excess resources or for other questions about a claim, having experienced advice is essential.
