SSI Exceptional Expense Supplement (SSI-E)

The Wisconsin SSI Exceptional Expense Supplement (SSI-E) is extra money some people get on top of their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment. If you qualify, you can get up to $95.99 more each month added to your SSI.

What is SSI?

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a monthly payment from the government. It helps people who have low income and few resources, including:

• Older adults (age 65+)

• People who are blind

• People with disabilities

Learn more about SSI and if you may qualify.

How does the Exceptional Expense Supplement (SSI-E) work?

The Wisconsin SSI-E gives extra money to some people on top of their SSI payment. It’s for people who have very high basic living costs, like rent, utilities, and other expenses.

You may get up to $95.99 more each month added to your SSI payment if you qualify for SSI-E. But not everyone can get this benefit. A county office must approve you for this extra money.

Who can get the Exceptional Expense Supplement (SSI-E)?

To qualify for SSI-E in Wisconsin, you must already get SSI and have living costs that are higher than the SSI-E amount.

You must also live in one of these approved places:

• A foster home for children

• A group home for children

• An adult family home or foster home

• A small residential care facility (20 beds or less)

• A residential care apartment (RCAC)

You may also qualify if you get SSI and you:

• Live in your own home or someone else’s home.

• Pay your share of household costs.

• Need at least 40 hours of support services each month.

How do I apply for the Exceptional Expense Supplement (SSI-E)?

To get SSI-E, you first need to apply for federal SSI benefits. Your SSI application also counts as your SSI-E application. Social Security will share your information with the state of Wisconsin, which decides if you qualify for SSI-E.

Follow these steps to apply for SSI:

• Start your SSI application on the Social Security website by answering a few questions. That should take about 5-10 minutes. You will receive a letter 7-14 days later giving you the date and time of an appointment at your local Social Security office.

• Visit your local Social Security office on the date and time shown in the letter. A representative will help you apply for benefits.

Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) if you don’t want to start the SSI application process online. You can make an appointment at the Social Security office near you.

Please note: The SSA uses the date you first applied for benefits as your application date. This date is important because it affects when your SSI payments can start.

How do I get help with my SSI application?

To get help applying for SSI in Wisconsin:

• Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or reach out to your local office.

• Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center.

• Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center, if there’s one near you. See if there’s one in your area.

• Call NCOA’s free HelpLine at 1-800-794-6559.

• If you are in a long-term care program, you can also ask your managed care plan or IRIS consultant for help.