The SSI program is a cash assistance program intended to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter for those who are aged, blind, or disabled. Eligibility for SSI creates automatic eligibility for other federal programs, such as Medicaid – a monthly payment to people with low income and few resources who are age 65 or older, blind or disabled. Children as well as adults may qualify for SSI. The Social Security Administration manages the SSI program, although SSI is not paid by Social Security taxes; payments come from the US Treasury general funds. In many states, eligibility for SSI automatically qualifies the individual for Medicaid.

The SSI program is a cash assistance program intended to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter for those who are aged, blind, or disabled. Eligibility for SSI creates automatic eligibility for other federal programs, such as Medicaid – a monthly payment to people with low income and few resources who are age 65 or older, blind or disabled. Children as well as adults may qualify for SSI. The Social Security Administration manages the SSI program, although SSI is not paid by Social Security taxes; payments come from the US Treasury general funds. In many states, eligibility for SSI automatically qualifies the individual for Medicaid.

To qualify for SSI, applicants must not exceed the income limits set for their state. Some forms of income are not included in the limit. Local Social Security offices can provide information about the state income limit and exclusions for special needs families.

To qualify for SSI, applicants must not exceed the income limits set for their state. Some forms of income are not included in the limit. Local Social Security offices can provide information about the state income limit and exclusions for special needs families.

Local Social Security field offices decide if income and assets are within limits for SSI eligibility. All military pay is considered income except for hostile fire pay, imminent danger pay and combat pay. For SSI eligibility and benefit purposes, by law SSA counts the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) paid to service members who live in on-base housing and privatized military housing as income called in kind support and maintenance. For SSI purposes, by law SSA counts the BAH for service members who live in private housing as earned income for the service member.

Local Social Security field offices decide if income and assets are within limits for SSI eligibility. All military pay is considered income except for hostile fire pay, imminent danger pay and combat pay. For SSI eligibility and benefit purposes, by law SSA counts the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) paid to service members who live in on-base housing and privatized military housing as income called in kind support and maintenance. For SSI purposes, by law SSA counts the BAH for service members who live in private housing as earned income for the service member.

The Social Security Administration defines disability as a physical or mental condition that prevents a person from being able to work and is expected to last at least a year or result in death. Childhood disability is further defined as an impairment that severely limits age-appropriate functioning. Applicants must prove their disability by providing documentation such as medical records, employment records, and contact information for doctors, hospitals, clinics and therapists who have provided diagnosis and treatment. A doctor's statement saying a person is disabled will not automatically qualify him/her for SSI. It takes several months for the Social Security Administration to process a disability claim, and it will move more quickly if applicants provide as much documentation as they can when they apply. Disability claims are often denied on the first attempt and then appealed. It is not uncommon for applicants to hire an attorney to help with the appeal for a percentage of the lump sum payment, if they win.

The Social Security Administration defines disability as a physical or mental condition that prevents a person from being able to work and is expected to last at least a year or result in death. Childhood disability is further defined as an impairment that severely limits age-appropriate functioning. Applicants must prove their disability by providing documentation such as medical records, employment records, and contact information for doctors, hospitals, clinics and therapists who have provided diagnosis and treatment. A doctor's statement saying a person is disabled will not automatically qualify him/her for SSI. It takes several months for the Social Security Administration to process a disability claim, and it will move more quickly if applicants provide as much documentation as they can when they apply. Disability claims are often denied on the first attempt and then appealed. It is not uncommon for applicants to hire an attorney to help with the appeal for a percentage of the lump sum payment, if they win.

Military families with a child with a disability receiving SSI benefits may continue to receive payments or apply for SSI from their overseas location. SSI recipients overseas are required to report any moves, or changes in the number of people in the household. Special needs families can learn about the special rules for military families overseas through the Social Security Administration's web page Special Rules for Children of Military Personnel Living Overseas.

Military families with a child with a disability receiving SSI benefits may continue to receive payments or apply for SSI from their overseas location. SSI recipients overseas are required to report any moves, or changes in the number of people in the household. Special needs families can learn about the special rules for military families overseas through the Social Security Administration's web page Special Rules for Children of Military Personnel Living Overseas.

SSI rules vary for disabled persons living away from home:

• A person living in a city or county rest home, halfway house, or other public institution may not qualify for SSI.
• A person living in a publicly operated community residence that serves no more than 16 people may get SSI.
• A person living in a public institution mainly to attend approved educational or job training to help them get a job may get SSI.

A person living in a public or private institution and Medicaid is paying more than half of the cost may get a small SSI benefit.

SSI rules vary for disabled persons living away from home:

• A person living in a city or county rest home, halfway house, or other public institution may not qualify for SSI.
• A person living in a publicly operated community residence that serves no more than 16 people may get SSI.
• A person living in a public institution mainly to attend approved educational or job training to help them get a job may get SSI.

A person living in a public or private institution and Medicaid is paying more than half of the cost may get a small SSI benefit.

Families can find out if they are eligible for SSI by completing the Social Security Administration's Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool.

Families can find out if they are eligible for SSI by completing the Social Security Administration's Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool.

Military families with a child or adult with a disability who may qualify for SSI should be encouraged to apply by calling or visiting the nearest Social Security Office or by calling the Social Security Administration's toll free number 1-800-772-1213. Applicants may complete part of their application online by first visiting the Social Security Administration website. At the appointment, applicants will be asked to provide proof of age, information about their home, income, insurance, and assets, in addition to the disability-related documentation mentioned above. The Social Security website can help applicants identify all of the documents to support their claim. Parents or guardians, and in some cases third parties, can apply for children.

Military families with a child or adult with a disability who may qualify for SSI should be encouraged to apply by calling or visiting the nearest Social Security Office or by calling the Social Security Administration's toll free number 1-800-772-1213. Applicants may complete part of their application online by first visiting the Social Security Administration website. At the appointment, applicants will be asked to provide proof of age, information about their home, income, insurance, and assets, in addition to the disability-related documentation mentioned above. The Social Security website can help applicants identify all of the documents to support their claim. Parents or guardians, and in some cases third parties, can apply for children.

SSI and SSDI are often confused with each other. SSDI provides benefits to disabled or blind individuals who are "insured" by their contributions to the Social Security Trust Fund. Insured persons are the disabled worker and his or her aged or dependent family members (including adult disabled children) and survivors. The two programs are similar in that the Social Security Administration handles claims for both and applies the same criteria for determining disability. Some low-income individuals who have paid Social Security taxes will qualify for benefits under both programs at the same time.

SSI and SSDI are often confused with each other. SSDI provides benefits to disabled or blind individuals who are "insured" by their contributions to the Social Security Trust Fund. Insured persons are the disabled worker and his or her aged or dependent family members (including adult disabled children) and survivors. The two programs are similar in that the Social Security Administration handles claims for both and applies the same criteria for determining disability. Some low-income individuals who have paid Social Security taxes will qualify for benefits under both programs at the same time.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program. SNAP provides low-income households with an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card (similar to an ATM card) they can use like cash at most grocery stores. SNAP provides crucial support to needy households and to those making the transition from welfare to work.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program. SNAP provides low-income households with an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card (similar to an ATM card) they can use like cash at most grocery stores. SNAP provides crucial support to needy households and to those making the transition from welfare to work.

The monthly allotments available through the program change each year and are generally based on the number of individuals living in the household and monthly income.

The monthly allotments available through the program change each year and are generally based on the number of individuals living in the household and monthly income.

Households can use SNAP benefits to buy breads and cereals; fruits and vegetables; meats, fish, and poultry; dairy products; and seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat.

Households can use SNAP benefits to buy breads and cereals; fruits and vegetables; meats, fish, and poultry; dairy products; and seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat.

To be eligible for the program, beneficiaries must be US citizens or, in some cases, a legal alien admitted for permanent residency. Most able-bodied adult applicants must meet certain work requirements and all household members must provide a Social Security number or apply for one. 

Households may have no more than $2,000 in countable resources, such as a bank account ($3,000 if at least one person in the household is age sixty or older, or is disabled). Certain resources are not counted, such as a home and its land. Special rules are used to determine the resource value of vehicles owned by household members. 

The gross monthly income of most households must be 130 percent or less of the federal poverty guidelines. Gross income includes all cash payments to the household, with a few exceptions specified in the law or the program regulations. Net monthly income must be 100 percent or less of federal poverty guidelines. Net income is figured by adding all of a household's gross income, and then taking a number of approved deductions for child care, some shelter costs, and other expenses. Households with a member who is elderly or who has a disability are subject only to the net income test. 

If a family lives on a military installation, housing will not be counted as income when computing eligibility. If a family receives basic allowance for housing (BAH), that will be included as income when computing eligibility.

To be eligible for the program, beneficiaries must be US citizens or, in some cases, a legal alien admitted for permanent residency. Most able-bodied adult applicants must meet certain work requirements and all household members must provide a Social Security number or apply for one. 

Households may have no more than $2,000 in countable resources, such as a bank account ($3,000 if at least one person in the household is age sixty or older, or is disabled). Certain resources are not counted, such as a home and its land. Special rules are used to determine the resource value of vehicles owned by household members. 

The gross monthly income of most households must be 130 percent or less of the federal poverty guidelines. Gross income includes all cash payments to the household, with a few exceptions specified in the law or the program regulations. Net monthly income must be 100 percent or less of federal poverty guidelines. Net income is figured by adding all of a household's gross income, and then taking a number of approved deductions for child care, some shelter costs, and other expenses. Households with a member who is elderly or who has a disability are subject only to the net income test. 

If a family lives on a military installation, housing will not be counted as income when computing eligibility. If a family receives basic allowance for housing (BAH), that will be included as income when computing eligibility.

Relocating military families receiving SNAP benefits should know that SNAP is administered by the states. Therefore, when relocating from one state to another, military families will need to reapply for the benefit.

Relocating military families receiving SNAP benefits should know that SNAP is administered by the states. Therefore, when relocating from one state to another, military families will need to reapply for the benefit.

The application process for the SNAP benefit is relatively easy for families.  To apply, families must locate their local SNAP Office and complete the online applications.

The application process for the SNAP benefit is relatively easy for families.  To apply, families must locate their local SNAP Office and complete the online applications.

Although SNAP is not available overseas, the Department of Defense (DoD) FSSA Program is available to those members living in overseas locations. FSSA increases a member's basic allowance for subsistence (BAS) by an amount intended to remove the member's household from eligibility for benefits under SNAP. FSSA will be paid in an amount equal to the total dollars required to bring that member's household income to 130 percent of the federal poverty line.

Although SNAP is not available overseas, the Department of Defense (DoD) FSSA Program is available to those members living in overseas locations. FSSA increases a member's basic allowance for subsistence (BAS) by an amount intended to remove the member's household from eligibility for benefits under SNAP. FSSA will be paid in an amount equal to the total dollars required to bring that member's household income to 130 percent of the federal poverty line.

Qualifying service members can receive up to $500 a month.

Qualifying service members can receive up to $500 a month.

Families should be aware that receiving FSSA income may jeopardize their household's eligibility for certain programs that have income requirements/guidelines such the SNAP; the Subsidized School Lunch Program; the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program; Day Care Assistance; Earned Income Tax Credit; and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Families should be aware that receiving FSSA income may jeopardize their household's eligibility for certain programs that have income requirements/guidelines such the SNAP; the Subsidized School Lunch Program; the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program; Day Care Assistance; Earned Income Tax Credit; and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Eligibility for FSSA is based on a service member's eligibility for SNAP which is based on household size and income. The below table depicts the required household size for a given rank.

Eligibility for FSSA is based on a service member's eligibility for SNAP which is based on household size and income. The below table depicts the required household size for a given rank.

The income determination for FSSA differs slightly from the income determined for SNAP.  For families living in government housing, FSSA includes as income the amount of Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) a service member would receive if they did not live in government housing.  When living off the installation, the FSSA includes a service member's BAH as monthly income. In overseas locations, the overseas housing allowance (OHA) and utility allowances also count toward income.

The income determination for FSSA differs slightly from the income determined for SNAP.  For families living in government housing, FSSA includes as income the amount of Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) a service member would receive if they did not live in government housing.  When living off the installation, the FSSA includes a service member's BAH as monthly income. In overseas locations, the overseas housing allowance (OHA) and utility allowances also count toward income.

Recertification of eligibility for FSSA is required upon every move, promotion, pay raise, and change in household income.

Recertification of eligibility for FSSA is required upon every move, promotion, pay raise, and change in household income.

Eligible military members may apply for FSSA online. Only active duty and Reserve component members may access this site.

Eligible military members may apply for FSSA online. Only active duty and Reserve component members may access this site.

Each military Service administers its own FSSA Program.

Each military Service administers its own FSSA Program.

WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for women, infants, and children. It is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service to help safeguard the health of low-income pregnant women, new mothers and their infants, and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. The program provides nutritious foods to supplement diets, information and counseling on healthy eating, and referrals to health care.

WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for women, infants, and children. It is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service to help safeguard the health of low-income pregnant women, new mothers and their infants, and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. The program provides nutritious foods to supplement diets, information and counseling on healthy eating, and referrals to health care.

WIC offices may be found in hospitals, agencies, and other locations that are frequented by young, low-income mothers, including many military installations. The WIC website offers comprehensive information about WIC services, eligibility requirements, and locations by state.

WIC offices may be found in hospitals, agencies, and other locations that are frequented by young, low-income mothers, including many military installations. The WIC website offers comprehensive information about WIC services, eligibility requirements, and locations by state.

WIC services are provided overseas by the Department of Defense to ensure services for families who would be eligible for WIC stateside. WIC overseas is managed by TRICARE and has the same services and eligibility criteria as the Department of Agriculture WIC program. More information on WIC overseas, including locations, can be found on the TRICARE WIC Overseas website and fact sheet.

WIC services are provided overseas by the Department of Defense to ensure services for families who would be eligible for WIC stateside. WIC overseas is managed by TRICARE and has the same services and eligibility criteria as the Department of Agriculture WIC program. More information on WIC overseas, including locations, can be found on the TRICARE WIC Overseas website and fact sheet.