Basic Considerations

Aliens who are admitted to the United States as permanent residents often have a sponsor. The income and resources of a sponsor and his/her spouse are used by SSI in determining the financial eligibility of an alien.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) deems the sponsor’s income and resources in the SSI eligibility determination for up to five years. The five-year period begins with the month the alien is admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence or is granted permanent resident status.

SSA may waive deeming from the sponsor when the alien’s disability or blindness begins at either of the following points:

After entry into the U.S. for permanent residence

After becoming a permanent resident The income and resources of a sponsor are not considered in Family Medicaid budgeting.