Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

You be eligible for a guaranteed minimum monthly income.

The federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program was enacted into law by Congress in the early 1970s. The SSI program is designed to ensure that low income individuals who are disabled, blind, or elderly receive a guaranteed minimum monthly income. Although essential funding for the SSI program is provided by the federal government, the benefits available to SSI beneficiaries vary from state to state, since each state is free to add to the base amount paid out of federal funds. Currently, nearly 6 million Americans receive SSI benefits.

Approval for SSI benefits is based on your physical condition, financial status, and living situation. In general, to be eligible to receive SSI benefits, you must reside either in the U.S. or in the Northern Mariana Islands. You must be a citizen of the U.S., or a legally admitted alien, or an alien living in the U.S. and in the process of receiving permission from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to stay in the country.

In addition, you must have limited resources and income, and be at least 65 years of age, or be blind, or disabled. The standards for measuring blindness and disability are those used by the Social Security Administration to determine eligibility for disability payments, and are discussed in detail in this chapter's section on Disability Benefits.

To apply for SSI benefits, you should visit your local Social Security Office. To help Social Security process your application as quickly as possible, be sure to bring along the following information and supporting documents:

• Your Social Security card;

• Your original birth certificate, or a certified copy, or other proof of your age;

• Information about your income and resources, such as bank books, paycheck stubs or federal income tax returns.

If you believe you are eligible for SSI because you are disabled or blind, you will also have to provide medical records, and the names and addresses of the doctors and health care facilities at which you have been treated.