SSI in Wisconsin
Benefits of Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
You can receive the state SSI payment only if you qualify for a federal SSI payment.
One exception is a small group of grandfathered SSI recipients who still receive the state SSI payment they qualified for in December 1995.
You do not have to apply separately for the state SSI payment. You will automatically receive the state SSI payment as long as you qualify for a federal SSI payment.
You will receive both the first week of each month.
How is SSI different from Social Security benefits?
SSI payments are not based on your prior work or a family member's prior work.
To get SSI, you must have limited income and resources. In most states, SSI recipients also receive Medicaid to pay for hospital stays, doctor bills, prescription drugs, and other health costs.
Only the Social Security
Administration distributes Social Security benefits.
How is SSI like Social Security?
Both programs pay monthly benefits. However, in Wisconsin, SSI is supplemented
by the Department of Health Services (DHS).
Do I qualify for Medical Assistance in Wisconsin?
If you receive SSI payments, you automatically qualify for Medical Assistance (Medicaid/Title 19).
A separate Medicaid application is not necessary. As long as you receive SSI, the state will
give you a Medicaid card, called a Forward card, with the information about its use.
If you receive SSI payments and also have Medicare, the state will automatically pay your out-of-pocket Medicare costs, such as Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copayments.
Can my SSI payment be deposited in my bank account?
Your SSI payment may be directly deposited into your bank account.
More information on direct deposit of your benefits.
Do I qualify for FoodShare (formerly Food Stamps)?
When you receive SSI, you also may qualify for FoodShare. FoodShare can help you buy more food without having to spend other income.
County or tribal human or social services departments take
FoodShare applications.
However, people who live in a household where everyone is applying for or receiving SSI may apply for
food stamps at the Social Security office.
What other social services are available?
Additional social services are available to SSI recipients through County or Tribal Human or Social Services Departments.
These services
include:
- Homemaker and chore services.
- Long-term support and care.
- Rehabilitation services.
- Protective services.
For more information about these and other social services, contact your local county or tribal human or social services department.
What are SSI payment levels?
The table below shows both federal and state maximum SSI payments in 2006 for SSI recipients in different living arrangements.
Not all SSI recipients receive the maximum SSI payment amounts. Federal payments may be lower if you have other income, such as Social Security retirement or Social Security disability.
Not all of your other income counts toward your eligibility for SSI. Your Social Security
office can give you more information about how other income affects federal SSI payment amounts.
Everyone who qualifies for a federal SSI payment of any amount automatically qualifies for the maximum state SSI payment. If you lose eligibility for a federal SSI payment, you will also stop receiving the state SSI payment.
Effective January 1, 2009
|
Living Arrangement |
2009 SSI:
Federal Payment |
2009 SSI:
State Payment |
2009 SSI:
Total Payment |
|
Independent Living |
|
Eligible Individual |
$674.00 |
$83.78 |
$757.78 |
|
Eligible Couple |
$1,011.00 |
$132.05 |
$1,143.05 |
|
Couple/One Spouse Eligible |
$637.00 |
$130.43 |
$767.43 |
|
Living in the Household of
Another |
|
Eligible Individual |
$449.34 |
$83.78 |
$533.12 |
|
Eligible Couple |
$674.00 |
$132.05 |
$806.05 |
|
Couple/One Spouse Eligible |
$449.34 |
$135.05 |
$584.39 |
|
Natural Residential or Substitute Care SSI-E
Exceptional Expense Supplement
|
|
Eligible Individual |
$674.00 |
*$179.77 |
$853.77 |
|
Eligible Couple |
$1,011.00 |
*$477.41 |
$1,488.41 |
|
SSI Caretaker Supplement |
Effective date:
November 1, 1999 |
*$250 for the first eligible child and $150 for each additional
eligible child |
*The SSI-E state
supplement is available to SSI recipients who reside in certain substitute care facilities or who require additional support services in order to live independently. Only county social services/human services agencies may certify eligible SSI recipients for the SSI-E
state supplement.
*The Caretaker Supplement state payment is available to SSI recipients whose dependent children are eligible for certain types of Medicaid.
What are the Exceptional Expense Supplemental Security Income (SSI-E) benefits?
A monthly cash benefit of $95.99 is added to the State SSI payment of each SSI recipient who meets eligibility requirements and is certified for the benefit by a county agency.
What are Caretaker Supplement benefits?
A monthly cash benefit for each eligible child living with his or her SSI parent.
Beginning November 1, 1999, the benefit is $250 per month for the first eligible child and $150 per month for each additional eligible child.
For example, if there are 2 eligible children living with their SSI-eligible parent, the Caretaker Supplement will be $400 per month.
The benefit will be added to the parent's monthly state SSI check. If there are two parents in the household who receive SSI, the benefit will be added to only one parent's state SSI check.
Additional benefits and help you may be eligible for.
List of county or tribal human or social services departments.
Last Revised: July 24, 2009
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