Under What Circumstances May an Alien Be Eligible for SSI Benefits? An alien may be eligible for SSI benefits if he or she meets the requirements of the laws for non–citizens that went into effect on August 22, 1996. In general, beginning August 22, 1996, most aliens must meet two requirements to be potentially eligible for SSI benefits: be in a qualified alien category; and meet a condition that allows qualified aliens to get SSI benefits. IMPORTANT: An alien must also meet all of the other rules for SSI eligibility-SSI eligibility, including the limits on income and resources, etc. Who...