QUESTION: What are the rules for getting Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? I’m thinking about applying based on my disability.

ANSWER: To be eligible to receive SSI benefits, you must be disabled, blind, or age 65 or older and have limited income and resources. Income is money you receive such as wages, Social Security benefits, and pensions. Income also includes the value of such things as food and shelter you receive from others. Resources are things you own such as real estate, bank accounts, cash, stocks, and bonds. You may be able to get SSI if your resources are worth no more than $2,000. A couple may be able to get SSI if they have resources worth no more than $3,000. Learn more by reading the publication, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), at HYPERLINK “http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs”www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For fast answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at 800-772-1213 or visit www.socialsecurity.gov