Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

The purpose of the SSI program is to provide aged, blind and disabled individuals with little or no income with a monthly income for the basic necessities of life, i.e., food, shelter and clothing. The program is designed to provide recipients with 75% of the federally-defined poverty level. For 2009, that amount is $674 per month for an individual and $1,011 per month for a couple.

In order to be eligible for SSI, an applicant must be at least 65 years of age, blind, or disabled and a citizen of the United States or a qualified alien and resident of the United States. Disability is defined as "the inability to do any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically-determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve months." 42 U.S.C. sec. 1382c(a)(3)(B). An applicant must also meet certain financial criteria, measured by both income and resources.

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