Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is different from Social Security Disability benefits. SSI is a Federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues, not social security taxes. The program provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. It is intended to help the elderly, blind, and disabled, who have little or no income.
To qualify, you must be 65 yrs. of age or older, blind or disabled.
Additionally, you must meet ALL of the following criteria:
- have limited income;
- limited resources;
- be a U.S. citizen or national, or in one of certain categories of aliens;
- live in one of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands;
- not be absent from the country for a full calendar month or more than 30 consecutive days;
- you have applied for any other cash benefits or payments for which you may be eligible, (for example, pensions, Social Security benefits);
- you give SSA permission to contact any financial institution and request any financial records that the financial institution may have about you; AND
- file an application and meet certain other requirements.
Not all SSI recipients receive the maximum amount. Your payment may be lower if you have other income. In 2011, the maximum SSI benefit is $674.00 for an individual living alone and $1,011.00 for a couple.
For additional information, visit the official website of the U.S. Social Security Administration at http://www.ssa.gov