Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness and adults age 65 and older.

Jack Myers with Social Social explains SSI is a needs-based program which means to qualify, a person must have limited income and resources. He explains the difference between SSI and the Social Security program. 

SSI benefits help pay for basic needs like rent, food, clothing, and medicine. There is no requirement of prior work to qualify for SSI and benefits are not paid from Social Security trust funds. Myers notes if a person is receiving assistance from someone for these expenses, we count that assistance as income and call it “In-Kind Support and Maintenance”.

For more information on the SSI program, including who is eligible and how to apply, visit www.ssa.gov/ssi.