SSI/SSP

GA applicants/recipients who are aged, blind or disabled may qualify for SSI/SSP. The EW must refer appropriate applicants/recipients to the Social Security Office for these benefits. GA applicants/recipients who are receiving SSI/SSP are NOT eligible for General Assistance.

Persons Eligible for SSI/SSP 

An individual may be eligible for SSI if they are:

  • Age 65 or older, or
  • Legally blind at any age, or
  • Disabled at any age when the impairment:
    • Is expected to last at least 12 months and prevents any substantial work, or
    • Is expected to result in death.

Requirement to Apply 

A GA applicant/beneficiary is required to apply for SSI as a condition of eligibility, if an individual appears to be eligible for SSI. The EW must:

  • Refer the person to the nearest Social Security Office using a “Referral To/From Social Security” (SCD 169). 
  • Document that the referral was made in a Journal Entry and set a Case Alert for follow-up. 

General Benefit Information 

SSI checks are received on the first of each month, and the payment is separate from RSDI.

A Medi-Cal card is issued automatically if a client is SSI eligible.

If the client receives an SSI payment of less than the maximum for an individual with these living arrangements, this indicates:

  • Other income, or
  • An overpayment adjustment.

Related Topics

General Assistance Policies

Types of Income

Lump Sum Income

Verification of Income

Potential Income and Resources

VA (Veterans Administration) Benefits

RRB (Railroad Retirement Benefits)

CalWORKS

Retirement, Survivors, Disability Insurance (RSDI)