There are two programs for the disabled that are administered by the Social Security Administration:

1. Supplemental Security Income (known as SSI); and
2. Social Security Disability (known as Social Security or SSDI).

Every patient with a diagnosis of AIDS may be eligible for one program or both.

These programs have two main criteria that are assessed to determine your eligibility. For SSI, they assess your medical condition and your current financial situation (monthly income, assets, etc.). For SSDI, they assess your medical condition, and they review your employment history to see how much and how long you have paid into Social Security (FICA on wage stub) through your employment.

Both SSI and SSDI use the same medical criteria to determine whether or not you are disabled. "Disability" is defined as any medical condition (physical or mental) which prevents or is expected to prevent you from working for a minimum of 12 months or will result in your death. People who have a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) diagnosis of AIDS (KS, PCP, etc.) may be presumed disabled, thereby meeting the medical criteria for both SSI and SSDI. People who have an AIDS-related diagnosis are evaluated on a case-by-case basis but are not automatically presumed disabled. Below is a more complete outline of both of these programs to help you determine your eligibility and prepare you for applying to these programs.

The following is a list of the documentation you need to bring in when you apply. But do not wait until you have everything to go and apply. Bring as much as you can to the initial appointment and you will have some time to gather the other information that you need.

Bring:

1. A letter signed by your doctor stating your diagnosis and when you were diagnosed.
2. Your social security number (SSN) and card, and any other SSN's on which you have ever received social security benefits (parents, etc.).
3. A certified copy of your birth certificate.
4. A list of all aspects of your condition which prevent you from working.
5. A list of all treating sources (complete names, addresses, telephone numbers for all doctors, hospitals, clinics), dates and types of treatment received, any hospital or clinic numbers.
   List of all medications you are taking for your condition. List of restrictions placed on you by your physician.
6. W-2 forms for the last two years. If W-2's are not available, bring names and addresses of employers for the last two years.
7. Be prepared to describe the types of jobs you have held for the last 15 years.
8. If previously or currently married, name of spouse and dates of marriage(s), spouse's social security number.

In order to qualify for SSI, you must be disabled and have a financial need. If you are disabled and have no income, or less than $532 per month for an individual or $789 per month for a couple you are eligible for SSI. You do not have to have worked to receive SSI benefits. Basic eligibility criteria are:

1. Your assets cannot exceed $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple.
2. Your monthly income must be below $532 for an individual or $789 for a couple.**
3. If you own a house, you must live in it to be eligible for SSI.
4. You may have up to $1500 set aside in burial funds for yourself and/or your wife/husband.

The following is a list of documentation that you will need to apply for SSI. But do not wait until you have all these things to apply. Bring as much as you can to the initial appointment, and you will be given time to gather the other information that is needed.

Bring:

1. A letter signed by your doctor stating your diagnosis and when you were diagnosed.
2. Your social security number (SSN), social security card, and any other SSN's on which you have ever received social security benefits (parents, etc.).
3. A certified copy of your birth certificate.
4. A list of all aspects of your condition which prevent you from working.
5. A list of all treating sources (complete names, addresses, telephone numbers for all doctors, hospitals, clinics), dates and types of treatment received, any hospital or clinic numbers.
   List of all medications you are taking for your condition. List of restrictions placed on you by your physician.
6. Be prepared to describe the types of jobs you have held for the past 15 years.
7. Proof of any income you have or expect to receive (including claim number under which you receive benefits (i.e., V.A. number, welfare numbers, etc.).
8. Bank statements for the last two months (passbooks, checking account statements, check registers).
9. Car registration, life insurance policies, stocks, bonds, etc.
10. If you rent, bring proof of your rental payment. If you share the names of other members of your household, who pays, how much, and proof of household expenses (rent, utilities, and food) for the last twelve months.