Legal Definitions - Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal financial assistance program in the United States. It provides monthly payments to adults and children who have very limited income and resources, and who are also aged (generally 65 or older), legally blind, or have a qualifying disability. The primary purpose of SSI is to help these individuals meet their fundamental needs for food, clothing, and shelter.

• Example 1 (Aged Individual): Eleanor is 78 years old. She worked part-time for many years but never earned enough to build up substantial Social Security benefits or savings. Her only income is a very small pension, and she has no other assets. She struggles to pay for groceries and her utility bills each month.

  How it illustrates SSI: Eleanor would likely qualify for SSI because she is aged (over 65) and has very limited income and resources. The SSI payments would provide her with essential funds to cover her basic living expenses, such as food and shelter, which she cannot afford on her own.

• Example 2 (Disabled Adult): Mark is 28 years old and recently suffered a severe spinal cord injury that left him permanently paralyzed and unable to work. He had only worked for a short period after high school and therefore does not have enough work credits to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). He has no savings, and his family's income is also very low.

  How it illustrates SSI: Mark would be eligible for SSI because he has a qualifying disability that prevents him from working, and he has very limited income and resources. SSI would provide him with a crucial financial safety net to help him pay for his basic needs while he is unable to earn an income.

• Example 3 (Blind Child): Sophia is 10 years old and was born with a severe visual impairment that classifies her as legally blind. Her parents work minimum wage jobs, and their combined income is just enough to cover their rent and basic family expenses, leaving little to no money for additional needs. They have no significant assets.

  How it illustrates SSI: Sophia, as a child who is legally blind and part of a low-income household with limited resources, would qualify for SSI. The program provides financial assistance to her family to help meet her basic needs, recognizing her disability and the family's financial constraints.