Making ends meet is hard enough during difficult economic times, and even harder for the aged and disabled. For those who are disabled, blind or age 65 or older and fall below maximum income requirements, the Social Security Administration offers Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
Distinct from Social Security Disability Benefits, SSI benefits are available to those who qualify, even if the applicant hasn't worked long enough to be able to file for SSD. SSI benefits are not only available for adults - blind or disabled children can also obtain SSI benefits provided the qualification standards are met. Some applicants may qualify for both SSI and SSD benefits.
Supplemental Security Income Basics
The purpose of SSI benefits is to provide a supplement of cash for basic needs, such as clothing, food and shelter. In a monthly snapshot provided by the Social Security Administration, more than five million Americans received Supplement Security Income payments in June 2010.
Unlike Social Security Disability benefits, Supplemental Security Income is not paid for by Social Security taxes. SSI benefits are paid for by U.S. Treasury funds.
To qualify for Supplemental Security Income benefits an individual must meet certain low income requirements and be disabled. The Social Security Administration will review a person's income and resources when determining eligibility for benefits. To be found disabled, an individual must be suffering from a physical or mental illness that prevents them from working for at least one year.
The monthly payment for SSI varies and can be increased with income provided by the claimant's state or decreased if other income or resources become available to the claimant. In 2010, the federal benefit rate in $674 a month for an individual and $1,011 for a couple. Once awarded Supplemental Security Income benefits, the claimant is entitled to Medicaid. Medicaid offers health care at no cost.
Representation by a Social Security Attorney at a Supplemental Security Income hearing increases the likelihood of a favorable decision.
