SSI is a living assistance program that non-citizens can receive if they meet certain conditions.

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a program that primarily provides financial support to low-income elderly, disabled, and visually impaired individuals.

Non-citizens must also meet specific requirements to qualify for this program.

To qualify for SSI, non-citizens must meet certain qualifications approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and additionally meet income and asset requirements.

Eligibility Criteria for Non-Citizens to Receive SSI

1. Non-citizens with specific qualifications approved by DHS

To qualify for SSI, a specific qualification approved by DHS is required. You must meet one of the following conditions:

  • Permanent resident (legally approved permanent resident)
  • Received conditional entry
  • Received temporary entry
  • Recognized as a refugee
  • Granted asylum
  • Foreigners with deferred deportation
  • Granted entry as a Cuban or Haitian
  • Amerasian (mixed immigrant born to an American father and an Asian mother)
  • Recognized as a special immigrant from Afghanistan or Iraq
  • Received humanitarian temporary entry as an Afghan or non-special immigrant from Iraq
  • Received humanitarian temporary entry as a Ukrainian

2. Legally residing in the U.S. as of August 22, 1996, or meeting specific conditions

If you meet one of the following conditions, you may also qualify for SSI:

  • Legally residing in the U.S. as of August 22, 1996 and were blind or disabled.
  • Receiving SSI as of August 22, 1996 and currently legally residing.
  • Received legal permanent residency and accumulated 40 work credits (credits from a spouse or parent are also recognized).
  • Veterans of the United States Armed Forces or active duty service members, or their spouses and dependents.
  • American Indian born in Canada.
  • Non-citizen members of a federally recognized Indian tribe.
  • Severe victims of human trafficking.

3. Restrictions for Non-Citizens Entering After 1996

  • Non-citizens who entered the U.S. after August 22, 1996 may not qualify for SSI for the first 5 years, even if they obtain permanent residency and accumulate 40 work credits.
  • Additionally, some non-citizens may only be eligible for SSI for 7 years. In this case, the Social Security Administration will notify you by letter when the 7-year period ends and provide information on your right to appeal.

4. Work Credits

  • Work credits can be accumulated each year based on income, with a maximum of 4 credits per year.
  • Non-citizens can also receive additional credits through their spouse's or parent's work record, which can help with SSI eligibility.

5. Proof of Non-Citizen Status Required

  • When applying for SSI, you must submit proof of non-citizen status. Required documents include I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record), I-551 (Permanent Resident Card), and orders of deportation deferral or asylum approval from an immigration judge.
  • Military service members may need to submit a service certificate (DD-214).

6. Connection with Medicaid

  • SSI recipients can also receive Medicaid coverage. Receiving SSI benefits automatically links you to Medicaid benefits, providing medical expense support.

7. Reapplication Possible After SSI Termination

  • If SSI payments are stopped or your non-citizen status changes or you obtain U.S. citizenship, you can reapply. If you have accumulated 40 work credits or your eligibility changes, you should contact the Social Security Administration immediately to reapply.

SSI is a living assistance program that non-citizens can receive if they meet certain conditions.

However, the eligibility requirements are very specific, and additional restrictions and requirements apply to non-citizens. To apply for SSI, non-citizens must meet DHS approval and income and asset criteria, and consider conditions such as obtaining U.S. citizenship or accumulating work credits. It is advisable to contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) for accurate information regarding SSI eligibility.