If you're homeless, you have the same rights to apply for benefits as someone with a home.
To receive your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, being homeless doesn't stop you. You can:
- Have your benefits deposited directly into your personal bank account.
- Have your benefits sent to a third party.
- Have a family member or another person you trust assigned as your representative payee.
- Choose to get your benefits on a Direct Express debit bank card.
Living in certain places like shelters, medical facilities, or correctional facilities might affect your SSI benefits. If you live in a public institution, you may not be eligible for benefits.
For more information about help for the homeless, you can visit Social Security's Homelessness website.
There's also the SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) program, which helps eligible adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and have mental health issues, medical impairments, or substance use disorders.
Last Reviewed: November 5, 2023