Supplemental Security Income
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides cash assistance to meet the basic needs of individuals who are aged 65 or older; blind; or disabled and have little or no income and resources. Children who are blind or disabled may also qualify for SSI benefits. Eligibility requirements and federal payment rates are nationally uniform. However, many states add money to the basic benefit.
Most SSI recipients are automatically entitled to receive Medicaid, and many are also eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SSI can be a critical income support for individuals who are currently experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. In order to provide enhanced service to those in need, SSA is working on greater outreach initiatives to establish relationships with homeless service providers and to find better ways to reach those who are eligible. Improving access to mainstream benefits like SSI is one of the objectives of Opening Doors and is a highly effective way to provide stable income support to those who need it most and can use it to find stable housing.
Eligible Beneficiaries:
Individuals who are over the age of 65, blind, or disabled and have limited or no income and resources may apply for these benefits, as well as low-income parents of children who are blind or have a disability.
Funding Mechanism:
Eligible individuals receive monthly benefits paid from the general funds of the U.S. Treasury.
