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.

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Last Reviewed: November 5, 2023