Q: “What are the limits on what I can own to be eligible for supplemental security income? Can I have money in the bank, a car and a furnished house?”
A: We count real estate, bank accounts, cash, stocks and bonds toward the resource limits on what you can own. You may be able to get SSI if your resources are worth no more than $2,000. A couple may be able to get SSI if they have resources worth no more than $3,000. Keep in mind that we usually don’t count the house you live in, personal items such as furniture and clothing, or the car you drive. If you own valuable property you are trying to sell, you may be able to get SSI while trying to sell it. You can find out more about SSI by going to www.socialsecurity.gov and selecting the “supplemental security income” banner at the top of the page.
Q: “My doctor said I’m disabled. Who decides if I meet the requirements for Social Security disability benefits?”
A: We first will review your application to make sure you meet some basic requirements for Social Security disability benefits, such as whether you worked enough years to qualify.
Then we will send your application to the disability determination services office in your state, often called the “DDS” or “state agency.”