Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/431369
25 The People's Guide 2015 SSI & CAPI How Do I Apply? See page 26 Social Security Offices. Come in, or (800) 772-1213 to mak e an appointment. Even if the process from application to first check takes months, when you are approved the benefits will be paid beginning with the date you started the application. Do not accept a verbal denial. Insist on filing at least a partial application. If you do not have all the necessary information, you can give additional or corrected infor mation later. If you have difficulty with English or with hearing, the Social Security Office is re- quired to provide you with an interpreter without cost. You may have help from a friend, family member or advocate at any appointment. If your condition makes getting to the office difficult, you may ask for a telephone interview or a home visit. If you want to sign a form allowing someone else to serve as your represen- tative, ask by phone for form SSA-1696 to be mailed to you. Parents or guard- ians can apply for a child under age 18 who is blind or who has a disability. It's helpful to have the following infor- mation with you when applying: • Social Security card or record of number • Birth certificate or other proof of age • Information about the home of residence, such as mortgage or lease andlandlord's name • Payroll slips, bank books, insurance policies, car registration, burial fund records and other information about income and resources • Names, addresses and telephone numbers of doctors hospitals and clinics that have treated you (if applying for SSI because of disability or blindness) • Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status You should apply even if you don't have all the things listed. If you are applying for disability, you have to prove you are financially eligible for SSI after you have a favorable disability determination. The Social Security Office is required to help you get needed documents and information. • Up to $2000 equity value for house- hold goods and personal belongings • Up to $1500 per person for life insurance or burial expenses. • There are many other resources not counted: you should consult Legal Aid. If you have too much money or other re- sources that puts you over the resource limit for SSI, you can spend money/ resources down to below the resource limit and qualify for SSI. You could buy things you need for your personal use(as long as whatever you buy does not make you go over another limit), or you can pay off debts. If you give away re- sources or sell themfor a price below fair market value, you can be ineligible for SSI for up to 36 months. If a child eligible for SSI lives with a parent (or parents) not eligible for SSI, a portion of the parent's income and resources may be used to figure the child's SSI cash aid. If a person eligible for SSI lives with a spouse not eligible for SSI, a portion of the spouse's income and resources may be used to figure the SSI cash aid. This is called deeming. What Do I Get? 1. Maximum Aid Type of Person Max.Benefit Single person 65 or older $866 Disabled person 18 or over $866 Single blind person any age $921 Couple, both disabled or aged $1,462 Couple, both blind $1,609 Disabled person under 18 $773 One person living in a licensed Board & Care facility($121 for that person's private use) $1,122 Effective as of October 2014: rates change each year Food: If you get SSI in California, you cannot get CalFresh/Food Stamps. How- ever, if you live where meals cannot be prepared you can get an additional $90 to $100 per month (ask for the Restau- rant Meals Allowance.) Health Care: If you get SSI, you auto- matically qualify for Medi-Cal. You may also qualify for In-Home Supportive Services (See pg 53.) Special Telephone Equipment: If your dis- ability makes it difficult to use the phone you may qualify for special equipment to help. Call (800) 806-1191 (voice) or (800) 806-4474 (TTY line.) Rent and Household Expenses: You can qualify for the maximum SSI grant even if you live with someone else or live in some- one eles's household as long as you pay for your own food and shelter costs. If you live in someone else's household and pay none or only part of your food and shelter costs, your SSI grant will be reduced by one third of the federal SSI benefit rate. Homeless people receive the same SSI cash aid as persons with homes, except that you can only get SSI 6 months out of 9 if you are living in a "public shelter". If you were getting some help in paying for your food and shelter when you applied for SSI but later begin paying your share for food and shelter, tell your social security worker so your benefits will increase to the maximum benefit. If you are living with someone else, when you apply for SSI benefits, who is paying all or a part of the expenses for your food or shelter, tell your Social Security worker if you have an agreement to pay your share of the food and shelter expenses for each month you receive retroactive SSI payments for the months before you receive your first monthly SSI check. You need to have a signed written agreement that says you will pay your share of the food and shelter expenses for each month you receive back SSI payments. You can contact legal aid for help writing this agreement so your back SSI benefits are not reduced.If you have this written agreement any retroactive SSI benefits should not be reduced for the reason that you are living in the home of another and are not paying your share of the food and shelter expenses. A single person can get a $1,133.00 (as of 2014) board & care rate called "Non- medical Out of Home Care," if you do not receive In Home Supportive Services, are not staying in your own home, and a rela- tive who does not get SSI is providing you room, food, and personal care. The county must certify the private residence. You may be able to get a $400 immediate payment from the Social Security office if either your SSI or your Social Security check is late and you need money right away. If you are denied immediate payment contact the office of your congress person and ask for a staff person who can help.