What Are Supplemental Social Security Income Benefits?

Over seven million people in the United States of America receive Supplemental Security Income benefits, also know as, SSI. The program is administered by the Social Security Administration. The SSI federal program was first implemented in 1974, and it replaced the various state programs that helped disabled persons. SSI is not that same as Social Security payments that you receive when you retire. SSI is a benefit that a person can receive if they are blind, disabled or 65 years old with very low income. SSI benefits can also be received by children who are blind or have severe medical disabilities. Individuals who receive SSI can also receive Medicaid, a program that helps pay for medical health care.

Though the funds are federally regulated, some states will add to the amount, so benefits will differ depending on the state where you reside. Benefit amounts will also differ because of any income a person or child may be receiving.

Some Details About The Benefits

A person does not need any accumulated work credits to be approved for receiving SSI benefits.

A person or child will need medical proof of their disability, along with income documentation. People will have to continue to submit the documentation of their disability and income on occasion, any where from one year to six years.

Approximately, six out to ten people who apply for SSI benefits are turned down. It is advised if a person thinks they were refused benefits unfairly, that they seek legal counsel to appeal the decision.

Despite the fact that when a person has been approved to receive benefits, it may take months before the person will receive the financial benefit. The benefits will still apply from the acceptance date though.

Usually, the monthly benefit allocated is not sufficient to cover all living costs. Individuals may also qualify for nutritional assistance (food stamps) and maybe housing assistance too. There are many stipulations for receiving benefits and for determining the benefit amount. Having some extra income does mean a person will not quality for SSI. All of the income details will be determined at the qualifying meeting.

Considering the costs of medical treatment, being eligible for Medicaid, does have its advantages although it doesn't pay for all charges. So it is important to look into enrolling into this program after a person has been accepted for SSI.

Standard Requirements For Qualifying For The SSI Benefit

In order for a person to receive these benefits they have to be one or more of the following:

• Blind
• Disabled
• 65 years old with restricted income and assets
• Be a United States resident who has not out of the country for thirty days or more
• Be a citizen of the United States or national resident, other situations may be eligible

Particulars on SSI qualifications and eligibility are available on the Social Security Administration's SSI Eligibility Requirements site.

SSI Payment Details:

• The typical 2007 payment was $458 per month.
• Some Important Facts To Know About SSI Benefits
• Benefits are tax-free

The benefit amount can be lower than the maximum amount and this is because of any income that isn't SSI, such as any earnings from employment or other types of benefits. Other factors include where the person resides, if they live with another person and if they receive some type of care in the home.