Supplemental Security Income

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a benefit program administered by the Social Security Administration for adults and children based on financial need.  Benefits are available to people with limited income and resources, if they are aged, blind, or disabled.

Disabled Adult

To be eligible for SSI as a disabled adult, age 18 to 65, you must:

1. Be Disabled.  Social Security uses the same disability definition as with Social Security Disability.
2. Have Limited Income and Resources.  Social Security has specific rules for calculating income and resources.
3. Apply.  The application filing date is the earliest benefits can be paid.

Most SSI claims are initially denied.  You can appeal this denial.

See the Social Security Administration publication Supplemental Security Income.

Disabled Child

To be eligible for SSI as a disabled child under age 18, a child must:

1. Be Disabled.  Social Security uses a special disability definition for children.  Disability for children means a child has a physical or mental impairment that causes marked and severe functional limitations and can be expected to last at least one year.
2. Have Limited Income and Resources. Social Security has specific rules for calculating income and resources.
3. Apply.  The application filing date is the earliest benefits can be paid.

Most SSI claims are initially denied.  You can appeal this denial.

See the Social Security Administration publication Benefits for Children with Disabilities.