| The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program | | | | determined by the state. |
| provides monetary support and benefits to disabled | | | | In order to qualify for SSI, there are no tests or other |
| adults and children who belong to families with limited | | | | requirements with regard to work history, as SSI is not |
| incomes and resources. The program also offers | | | | funded by employee taxes paid into Social Security. |
| payments and benefits to non-disabled US citizens 65 | | | | Receipt of SSI is based solely upon need, as defined |
| years or older who meet defined financial limits. It is | | | | by the Social Security Administration. |
| intended to help the elderly, blind, and otherwise | | | | SSI payments are usually paid on the first day of the |
| disabled afford the basics to support life -- food, | | | | month they are due, following the month in which |
| clothing and shelter. A live interview is required, so | | | | eligibility for payment has been established. Thus, if |
| applications for SSI must be made in person. You may | | | | benefits are due to be paid in October, the payment |
| bring an attorney with you to your appointment. | | | | should arrive on October 1st. |
| General Regulations Regarding SSI | | | | The Social Security Administration, which runs the SSI |
| Parents receive benefits on behalf of their disabled | | | | program, has set definitions for "citizenship," "disability," |
| child until the child turns 18. At 18, the child's condition | | | | "income" and "resources" by which they determine |
| are re-evaluated and any future payments will go | | | | eligibility to receive SSI. |
| directly to the child, unless for some reason it is | | | | Citizenship |
| determined the parents must remain in charge of the | | | | The SSA defines United States citizenship as follows: |
| child's finances. Some states also supplement the | | | | - A US citizen residing in one of the 50 states |
| federal SSI benefit for children through their own | | | | - A US citizen residing in the Northern Mariana Islands |
| programs. | | | | - A US national residing in one of the 50 states |
| SSI recipients may qualify for additional benefits, | | | | - A US national residing in the Northern Mariana Islands |
| including Medicaid assistance and food stamps. | | | | Certain non-US citizens may also qualify for SSI. |
| Medicaid provides medical insurance coverage to | | | | Those determinations are made on a case-by-case |
| those in need. Qualification to receive Medicaid is | | | | basis. |