Supplemental Security Income
Supplemental security income is a program geared to help aged, blind and disabled persons who have little or no income at all. It provides cash for basic needs like food, clothing and shelter.
This program is administered by the Social Security Administration or SSA. The SSA gives the monthly benefits to eligible persons.
Supplemental security income is different from Social Security benefits because Social Security benefits are based on a prior work involvement. Supplemental security income is funded by the US Treasury from personal, corporate, and other taxes while Social Security benefits are funded from Social Security taxes.
Another difference between supplemental security income and social security benefits is that in supplemental security income, the beneficiary must be disabled, blind or at least 65 years old and have "limited" income and resources. In social security benefits, on the other hand, the beneficiary or his family member must have a prior work.
Anyone who is aged (age 65 or older), blind and disabled is eligible to receive supplemental security income benefits. Other requisites include having limited income and resources, being a US citizen or national, or certain categories of aliens and resident of the qualifed states, districts and islands and have not left the country for a full calenda year or more than 30 consecutive days.
SSA would also seek the permission to be able to contact financial institutions regarding the beneficiaries. The beneficiary may also apply for other cash benefits for which he or she is eligible.
