Supplemental Security Income

People with limited income and assets who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older might be able to get Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Blind or disabled children might also be able to get SSI.

SSI is different than other Social Security benefits, but it is also run by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSI program is funded by general taxes paid to the federal government, not Social Security taxes. Eligibility requirements are different too. For SSI, you do not have to have a work history and there’s no requirement that you be eligible to receive Social Security prior to applying for SSI. In some cases, you might be able to get Social Security benefits and SSI at the same time.

If you are interested in learning more about SSI or want to apply for the program, contact your local SSA office, or visit the SSI website, by clicking here. Or, you can call your local Area Agency on Aging at 1-877-353-3771 to get help applying.