SSI is a federal cash benefit program (PA provides a state supplement) to people who are aged, blind and disabled who have little or no other income. The Social Security Administration is responsible for operating the SSI program.
To be eligible for SSI benefits a claimant over 18* must:
- have a medical determinable physical or mental impairment;
- the impairment must be expected to result in death or have lasted or be expected to last for at least 12 months and;
- the impairment must make the claimant unable to “engage in substantial gainful activity.”
To make application for SSI in Berks County it is best to appear in person at the Social Security Office located at, 201 Penn St, Suite 200, Reading, PA 19601. Telephone 610-320–5106. When initially applying for SSI it is not mandatory that verification of all information is provided, however, it is a good idea to have as much basic information as possible. Documentation should include: birth certificate; Social Security card; proof of address and records of medical treatment with diagnosis, and school evaluations with the names and addresses of attending physicians.
*A child who is under the age of 18 is eligible for SSI if he/she meets the definition of disability. Household income is considered in determining the amount of a cash benefit.
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