To get supplemental security income, you are required to live in the U.S. or the Northern Mariana Islands and be a citizen of the U.S. or national. In certain cases, noncitizen residents can qualify for SSI.
If you qualify for Social Security or other types of benefits, you should apply for them. You are allowed to get SSI along with other benefits if you qualify for them.
If you are a resident of specific kinds of institutions, you may be able to get SSI benefits.
If you are living in a city or county halfway house, rest home, or other public institution, you normally will not be able to get SSI. However, there are a few exceptions.
If you are living in a publically operated community residence that serves 16 people or less, you may qualify for SSI.
If you are living in a public institution mainly for the purpose of attending an approved educational or job training to help you to get a job, you may qualify for SSI.
If you live in a public emergency shelter for the homeless, you may be eligible for SSI.
If you are living in a public or private institution and Medicaid is paying for more than half of the cost of your care, you may qualify for a small SSI benefit.
