what is an ssi

SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income, which is a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration. The program provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who are blind, age 65 or older, or have a qualifying disability. Children with disabilities or who are blind may also receive SSI. Unlike Social Security benefits, SSI benefits are not based on prior work or a family members prior work. To be eligible for SSI, an individual must have "limited" income and resources, and be disabled, blind, or at least 65 years old. The medical standards for disability are generally the same in both SSI and Social Security benefits for individuals age 18 or older. SSI recipients may also be eligible for food assistance, and in some states, an application for SSI also serves as an application for food assistance.