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HOW IS SSI DIFFERENT FROM SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS?
Many people who are eligible for SSI may also be entitled to receive Social Security benefits. In fact, the application for SSI is also an application for Social Security benefits.
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![small blue ball](images/ball71.gif) | Unlike Social Security benefits, SSI benefits are not based on your prior work or a family member's prior work. |
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![small blue ball](images/ball71.gif) | SSI is financed by general funds of the U.S. Treasury--personal income taxes, corporation taxes and other taxes. Social Security taxes withheld under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) do not fund the SSI program. |
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![small blue ball](images/ball71.gif) | In most States, SSI beneficiaries also can get Medicaid (medical assistance) to pay for hospital stays, doctor bills, prescription drugs, and other health costs. |
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![small blue ball](images/ball71.gif) | SSI beneficiaries may also be eligible for food stamps in every State except California. In some States, an application for SSI benefits also serves as an application for food assistance. |
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![small blue ball](images/ball71.gif) | We pay SSI benefits on the first of the month for the entire month. |
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![small blue ball](images/ball71.gif) | To get SSI benefits, you must be disabled, blind, or at least 65 years old and have "limited" income and resources. |
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![small blue ball](images/ball71.gif) | In addition, to get SSI benefits, you must:
––be a resident of the United States, and
––not be absent from the country for more than 30 days;
and
––be either a U.S. citizen or national, or in one of certain
categories of eligible non–citizens.
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