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Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Eligibility Scenario: Not Married

undefined Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?


Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program funded by U.S. Treasury general funds. The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) administers the program, but SSI is not paid for by Social Security taxes. SSI provides monthly payments to adults age 65 and older who have limited income and resources, and to other adults, and children, with a disability or blindness who have limited income and resources.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program funded by U.S. Treasury general funds. The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) administers the program, but SSI is not paid for by Social Security taxes. SSI provides monthly payments to adults age 65 and older who have limited income and resources, and to other adults, and children, with a disability or blindness who have limited income and resources.

undefined Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?


To be eligible for this benefit program, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be disabled, blind or age 65.
  • Have limited income and resources.
  • Be a U.S. citizen, national, or lawfully present alien meeting additional requirements.
  • Reside in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands, except for a child of military parent(s) assigned to permanent duty anywhere outside the United States or certain students temporarily abroad.

Other factors may affect your eligibility, including:

  • Marital status.
  • Income and resources of certain members in your household, like a spouse or a parent of a minor child.

Based on the information you gave about your income, resources, and citizenship status, you could get SSI when you turn 65.

This screening tool only asks very general questions about your income and resources, citizenship, living arrangements and, if you are under 65, your disability. Social Security will ask you for more detailed information. If you are under 65, they will also need more information about your disability.

To find out more about how Social Security decides if you are disabled, visit SSA’s Publications Page, select "Disability" under "Topics," and review Social Security Publication Number 05-10029.

undefined Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?


Visit the Apply For Social Security Benefits page to apply online.


Would you like more information about SSI?
Visit SSA's Publications Page and review the publication "Supplemental Security Income," Social Security Publication Number 05-11000.

You may also contact Social Security by phone at:
1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778)