Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income, by providing cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. A common question among green card holders is, “Can green card holders get SSI?”. Yes, they are, but with specific conditions and requirements that need to be met. Understanding the eligibility of green card holders for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) involves navigating complex regulations that blend immigration status with social security policies.
This blog aims to clarify these intricacies, offering green card holders guidance on how they may qualify for SSI.
Green card holders, or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), can qualify for SSI under certain circumstances. The key term here is "qualified alien," which includes LPRs among other specific immigration statuses.[1] To be eligible, a green card holder must fall into one of these categories and meet additional conditions such as:
Having 40 qualifying quarters of work in the U.S. It's noteworthy that work done by a spouse or parent may also count towards these quarters, though quarters of work earned after December 31, 1996, are subject to specific restrictions if the worker received certain U.S. government benefits based on limited income and resources during that period.
Being a refugee, asylee, Cuban or Haitian entrant, Amerasian immigrant, or falling into specific other categories that grant eligibility for a limited time or under certain conditions.
Green card holders who entered the U.S. on or after August 22, 1996, may face a five-year waiting period before becoming eligible for SSI, even if they have the required 40 qualifying quarters of coverage.
“Qualified aliens, including those granted asylum, refugees, and certain victims of human trafficking, can expedite their eligibility for SSI benefits.”
The "five-year bar" is a term used to describe the requirement that green card holders must wait five years before they are eligible for most federal public benefits, including SSI. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, refugees and asylees are exempt from the five-year bar, as are green card holders who:
Were receiving SSI and lawfully residing in the U.S. on August 22, 1996.
Are currently on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or are honorably discharged veterans (and their families under certain conditions).
Were lawfully residing in the U.S. on August 22, 1996, and are blind or have a qualifying disability.
Furthermore, certain categories of noncitizens may be eligible for SSI without being subject to the August 22, 1996 law, including American Indians born in Canada admitted under Section 289 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and members of a federally recognized Indian tribe under Section 4(e) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.
Receiving Social Security benefits, such as Retirement, Survivors, or Disability Insurance, while living outside the United States is subject to stringent regulations for noncitizens, including those holding green cards.[2] These rules ensure that beneficiaries meet certain residency requirements to continue receiving their benefits. Here's a breakdown of the key points:
Noncitizens and Residency Requirements: To maintain eligibility for Social Security benefits while abroad, noncitizens must be physically present in the U.S. for at least one full calendar month following an absence of six consecutive calendar months. Failing to meet this requirement results in the suspension of benefits.
Exceptions to the Rule: There are specific exceptions that allow for the continuation of benefits without the need for beneficiaries to return to the U.S. These exceptions are crucial for noncitizens and green card holders, as they offer flexibility under certain conditions, allowing individuals to continue receiving their benefits while living outside the United States.
Importance of Understanding Eligibility Criteria: It's vital for beneficiaries to comprehend the specific eligibility criteria that apply to their immigration status and residency. This understanding helps ensure that they can navigate the regulations effectively and maintain their benefit eligibility while abroad.
The role of work and contributions towards qualifying for SSI benefits is pivotal. For green card holders, having 40 qualifying quarters of work in the U.S. can make them eligible for SSI. However, post-December 31, 1996, any quarters of work during which the worker, their spouse, or parent received certain U.S. government benefits based on limited income and resources will not count towards this eligibility. This emphasizes the balance between work contributions and reliance on government assistance in determining SSI eligibility. Furthermore, the contributions of legal immigrants to public benefit programs are significant, with legal immigrants utilizing these programs at lower rates than U.S.-born citizens, highlighting their net positive contribution to the social safety net​​.
“Green card holders who are on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as honorably discharged veterans, can bypass the standard five-year waiting period for SSI eligibility.”
The role of work and contributions towards qualifying for SSI benefits is pivotal. For green card holders, having 40 qualifying quarters of work in the U.S. can make them eligible for SSI. However, post-December 31, 1996, any quarters of work during which the worker, their spouse, or parent received certain U.S. government benefits based on limited income and resources will not count towards this eligibility. This emphasizes the balance between work contributions and reliance on government assistance in determining SSI eligibility. Furthermore, the contributions of legal immigrants to public benefit programs are significant, with legal immigrants utilizing these programs at lower rates than U.S.-born citizens, highlighting their net positive contribution to the social safety net​​.
For green card holders navigating the SSI eligibility maze, understanding “Can green card holders get SSI?” is crucial. This blog has explored the eligibility criteria, including the importance of work contributions and the specific conditions under which benefits can be received both within the U.S. and abroad. State-funded programs offer additional avenues for support, while the dynamics of mixed-status families further complicate eligibility considerations. Ultimately, green card holders seeking SSI must carefully assess their individual situations against the backdrop of these guidelines, potentially consulting with legal or immigration experts to fully understand their rights and responsibilities within the U.S. social security framework.
Find out whether an able account affects SSI. Learn more by visiting Benefits Aid and exploring our comprehensive resources.