What Is SSI?

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What is SSI?

Who runs the SSI program?

Is SSI the same as Social Security?

What is SSI?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a need-based cash assistance program. SSI is for people with limited income and assets. Adults can get SSI if they are age 65 or older, disabled, or blind. Children can get SSI benefits because of disability or blindness.

Who runs the SSI program?

SSI is funded by the Federal government and is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). In Massachusetts, the state adds to the funds provided by the Federal government.

Social Security contact information:

Social Security Administration
Toll-free voice: 1-800-772-1213
Toll-free TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Local offices: SSA Local Office Search
Web site: Social Security Online

Is SSI the same as Social Security?

SSI is a need-based cash assistance program for people with limited incomes and assets who are elderly, disabled, or blind.

Social Security usually refers to retirement benefits, survivors’ benefits, and disability benefits for people who have worked enough to qualify, or for their spouses and children. The benefits are not need-based, but depend in part on payments made to Social Security while working. Most people over the age of 65 receive Social Security benefits.

The Social Security Administration runs the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program and the Social Security retirement and disability programs.