Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Excerpt from Social Security Administration publication EN-05-11000 "Supplemental Security Income (SSI)"


The Social Security Administration manages the
program, but SSI is not paid for by Social Security taxes.
U.S. Treasury general funds, not the Social Security trust
funds, pay for SSI.

SSI makes monthly payments to people who have low
income and few resources, and who are:
• Age 65 or older;
• Blind; or
• Disabled.
A note for people who are blind or disabled
If you’re blind or disabled, and working, there are special
rules to help you. You may be able to keep getting SSI
payments while you work. As you earn more money, your
SSI payments may be reduced or stopped, but you may be
able to keep your Medicaid coverage.
You also may be able to set aside some money for a work
goal or to go to school. In this case, the money you set aside
won’t reduce the amount of your SSI.
Blind or disabled people who apply for SSI may get free
special services to help them work. These services may
include counseling, job training, and help in finding work.
If you get SSI, you also may be able to get help from
your state or county.
If you get SSI, you also may be able to get help from
your state or county.Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program (food stamps)

Medicaid
When you get SSI, you also may get Medicaid, which
helps pay doctor and hospital bills. Your local welfare
or medical assistance office can give you information
about Medicaid.

Help paying for Medicare
If you get Medicare, and have low income and few
resources, your state may pay your Medicare premiums
and, in some cases, other Medicare expenses such as
deductibles and coinsurance.
If you have worked and paid into Social Security long
enough, you also may be eligible for Social Security benefits
while you are receiving SSI.