Who is eligible for SSI?

A young adult may qualify for SSI benefits if he or she 1) has disabilities, 2) has low income, 3) has resources or assets LESS THAN $2000, AND 4) earns less than $1,000 per month (this earning requirement does not apply to those who are blind).

At age 18, an individual can apply for SSI independent of the parents’ income and resources. Many individuals with disabilities who were ineligible for SSI due to their parents’ income and/or resources prior to age 18 may be eligible upon their 18th birthday. However, SSI eligibility does not happen automatically even if the individual was eligible as a child.