Legal Definitions - Supplemental Security Income

Term: Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income (often referred to as SSI) is a federal program in the United States that provides monthly financial assistance to individuals who are aged (65 or older), blind, or disabled, and who have very limited income and financial resources. It is a "needs-based" program, meaning eligibility is determined by an individual's financial situation, rather than by their past work history or contributions to the Social Security system.

Examples:

• Example 1: An Elderly Individual with Minimal Income
  An 82-year-old woman, Mrs. Chen, lives alone and has never worked outside the home. Her only income is a very small survivor's benefit from her late husband's Social Security, which is not enough to cover her basic living expenses. She has no significant savings or other assets.

  Explanation: Mrs. Chen qualifies for SSI because she is aged (over 65) and meets the strict financial criteria of having very limited income and resources. The SSI payments supplement her existing small benefit, providing her with a more adequate monthly income to meet her basic needs.

• Example 2: A Young Adult with a Severe Disability
  David, a 28-year-old, was involved in a serious accident that left him permanently paralyzed and unable to work. He has a very limited work history, so he doesn't qualify for significant Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, and he has no substantial assets.

  Explanation: David would likely be eligible for SSI because he is considered disabled under the program's rules and meets the financial requirements due to his limited income and resources. SSI provides him with a foundational monthly income to help cover his living expenses since he cannot work.

• Example 3: A Child Born with a Significant Disability
  Maya is a 5-year-old girl born with a severe developmental disability that requires constant care and specialized medical attention. Her parents work low-wage jobs, and their combined income and assets are below the SSI limits for a household of their size.

  Explanation: Maya can receive SSI benefits because she is a child with a qualifying disability, and her family's financial situation meets the program's needs-based criteria. The SSI payments help her family cover some of the significant costs associated with her care and special needs.