Social Security Benefits for Homeless People with Disabilities

What are SSI and SSDI?

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) are disability benefits programs run by Social Security (SSA). Both programs pay monthly cash benefits to people with disabilities To get SSI and SSDI, you must be disabled under SSA’s rules. That means that you have physical and/or mental health problems that make you unable to work for at least one year. SSI and SSDI come with health care benefits.

With SSI, you get Medicaid (MassHealth). With SSDI, you get Medicare, after a waiting period.

What’s the Main Difference Between SSI and SSDI?

SSI is for people with disabilities who have low incomes and assets less than $2000. You can get SSI if you have never worked.

SSDI is for people with disabilities who have a work history. Usually you need to have worked 5 out of the last 10 years to get SSDI. The amount of SSDI you get depends on your past earnings. SSDI has no income and asset limits.

Can I Get SSI and SSDI if I am Homeless? In a Shelter?

YES. You do not need to have a home to get SSI or SSDI, only a way for SSA to contact you and pay your benefits (by mail or direct deposit). You can get SSI for 6 months out of every 9 months you stay in a public (government run) emergency shelter. There is no time limit on getting SSI in a private shelter. There are no limits on getting SSDI in a shelter.

Do I Need to be a U.S. Citizen?

It depends. Your immigration status affects whether you can get SSI. It is easier to get SSDI than SSI if you are not a U.S. citizen, but there are still limits. The rules are complicated. If you do not know if you have legal status, see an immigration lawyer.

How do I Apply?

In person: Fill out and sign an application at your local SSA office.

By phone: You can apply over the phone by calling SSA at 800-772-1213. SSA will

send you the papers you need to fill out and sign.

At a shelter: SSA may be able to take your application at the shelter. Ask a shelter worker.

Everyone has the right to apply.

Who Decides if I am Disabled Under SSA’s Rules?

After you file your application, SSA sends your case to the Disability Determination Services (DDS), a state agency that decides if a person is disabled under SSA’s rules. The person at DDS who handles your case is called a disability examiner.

What Rights do I Have When I Apply for SSI/SSDI?

§ If you do not speak English and need an interpreter, SSA must provide one free of charge.

§ If you need help filling out the application or other forms, an SSA worker must help you.

§ If you do not have a doctor, DDS will send you for a medical exam and provide free transportation to the appointment if you ask for it by calling DDS.

§ If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision within 60 days. You may have a lawyer, advocate, friend or other person help you with the appeal. Many appeals are successful.

You may be able to get free legal services to help with your appeal.

Can I get SSI/SSDI if I Have a History of Substance Abuse?

YES. Substance abuse alone is no longer considered a disability, but you may qualify for benefits because you have other health or psychiatric problems that keep or have kept you from working.

What if my Health Problems are Caused by Substance Abuse?

It doesn’t matter how your other health problems started. For example, if you are disabled by liver disease that you got from drinking, you might still qualify for SSI/SSDI if your liver disease would still be disabling if you stopped drinking.

What is a Representative Payee?

A representative payee is a person who receives your benefits for you and makes sure they are used in your best interest. If you are currently abusing substances, or medical reports show that you cannot manage your money, you will probably need a representative payee.

Your representative payee must use your benefits to meet your basic needs and should be someone you trust. SSA must help you find a representative payee if you ask.

What Can I Do to Help?

Tell SSA if you are homeless

Your case will be handled by a DDS examiner who knows about the issues facing homeless people.

Try to gather information to support your application

§ A list of your health problems.

§ Names, addresses, and phone numbers of doctors, therapists, and hospitals where you have been treated, and dates of treatment.

§ Proof of your identity, such as a driver’s license; state ID card; marriage, divorce, or military record; passport; school or employer ID; or health insurance card. If you do not have any papers to prove your identity, all you need is your Social Security Number. SSA will look your number up in their computer and ask you some questions to confirm your identity.

§ Proof of your immigration status, if needed.

But...Don’t wait to apply. You will have time to get this information to SSA after you apply. If there are things you can’t remember or find, SSA will help get the information you need.

Stay in touch with SSA & DDS

§ If SSA cannot find you, your application for benefits may be denied.

§ Report address and phone changes to SSA and DDS and check in often. Free Community Voice Mail is available in greater Boston.

§ Give SSA and DDS a reliable mailing address such as a shelter, P.O. Box, or relative’s, friend’s or advocate’s address. . Give SSA and DDS the name, address and phone number of someone you trust who will be able to reach you, and permission to contact that person.

Help prove you are disabled

§ If DDS makes a doctor’s appointment for you, keep it. Ask your DDS examiner for free transportation if you need it.

§ If you do not have a doctor and want to find one, contact Health Care for the Homeless or a Community Health Center to find free medical care.

§ Be sure your doctors send your medical records to DDS.

§ Find an attorney or other advocate to help you with your claim.

PLACES TO CONTACT FOR HELP: Social Security Administration         800-772-1213 Disability Determination Services Boston                     800-882-2040 Worcester                 800-551-5532 Health Care for Homeless (Boston)         617-414-7779 MA Community Health Centers         800-475-8455 Mayor’s Health Line             800-847-0710 Greater Boston Legal Services         617-371-1234 Mass. Justice Project (Legal Services) Central MA                 508-831-9888 Western MA                 413-533-2660 Disability Law Center             617-723-8455                 800-872-9992 Mass. Coalition for the Homeless         617-423-9162 Tri-City Homeless Services             781-397-2097 Northeast MA Project HOAP (Central MA)         508-860-1000 Homeless Services Community Voice Mail (Boston)         617-248-6585 Dept. of Transitional Assistance         800-249-2007 (for welfare benefits) Div. of Medical Assistance             800-841-2900 (for MassHealth)

Prepared by Greater Boston Legal Services, Disability Law Center, and Tri-City Homeless Services Program in cooperation with the Disability Determination Services Advisory Committee. Funding provided by the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corp. Spring, 2003