Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits provide monthly cash benefits to be used for basic needs, such as food, clothing, and housing. Although SSI benefits are offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), eligibility is not based on work history, like Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. The federal government funds SSI benefits with general tax revenues rather than the Social Security taxes collected from workers’ paychecks.
AM I ELIGIBLE FOR SSI BENEFITS?
You may be eligible to receive SSI benefits if you’re age 65 or older, blind, or disabled, and:- Have limited income. Income is defined as money you earn from work, compensation you receive from benefits such as workers’ compensation (where a worker compensation lawyer can provide legal guidance) or SSD, and free food or shelter.
- Have limited resources. Resources include cash, bank accounts, personal property, and anything else you own that could be converted to cash.
- Are a U.S. citizen or national or in certain categories of legal aliens. U.S. citizens and qualified non-citizens who meet alien eligibility criteria can get SSI benefits if they meet the necessary income and resource requirements.