Supplemental Security Income (SSI) In Massachusetts

What is SSI?

SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, is a federal program that provides monthly cash payments to people in need. SSI is for people who are 65 or older, as well as for blind or disabled people of any age, including children.

To qualify you also must have little or no income and few resources. This means that the value of the things you own must be less than $2,000 if you are single or less than $3,000 if you are married. The value of your home does not count. Usually, the value of your car does not count. And the value of certain other resources, such as a burial plot, may not count either.

To get SSI, you also must apply for any other cash benefits you may be able to get.

You must live in the United States or the Northern Mariana Islands to get SSI. If you are not a U. S. citizen, but you are a resident, you still may be able to get SSI. For more information, ask for the publication, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) For Noncitizens (Publication No. 05-11051).

The state of Massachusetts adds money to the federal payment. The single payment you get in the beginning of each month includes both the federal SSI payment and your supplement from Massachusetts.

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Medical assistance

If you get SSI, you usually can get medical assistance (MassHealth) automatically. If you have questions about MassHealth, contact your local Transitional Assistance office for disabled and aged recipients and the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind for blind individuals.

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Food stamps

If you get SSI, you may be able to get food stamps. Food stamps can be used to help you buy more food without spending more money. However, Social Security does not decide if you can get food stamps. If you live in a household where everyone is applying for or getting SSI, you can apply for food stamps at a Social Security office. If not, you must apply at your local Department of Transitional Assistance office.

Other social services

Other services you may be able to get through your local Department of Transitional Assistance office include:

• Information, referrals and follow-up;
• Homemaker and chore services;
• Community placement services; and
• Rehabilitation services.

For more information, contact your local Department of Transitional Assistance office or Massachusetts Commission for the Blind.

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