- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) -

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Supplemental Social Income (SSI) provides monthly cash assistance to children and adults who have mental and/or physical disabilities. The Social Security Administration runs the SSI program. Recipients get a monthly check to use toward medical needs and other living expenses. The amount of the benefits depends on the individual's disability and financial need. If you get SSI benefits, you automatically receive Medicaid coverage as well.

Children and adults who are both disabled and financially needy can get SSI. Traditionally, SSI covered physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. However, welfare reform has made it more difficult for children with mental and emotional disabilities to be qualified.

In order to receive SSI benefits for yourself or a child for whom you care, you must first show that you or the child under your care is disabled. Some physical disabilities automatically qualify a person for SSI benefits. The SSI case worker has a list of those disabilities. If you or your child does not have a disability that matches the list, your SSI case worker will need to ask you various questions to determine whether you or the child under your care is eligible for SSI benefits.

Once you have shown that you or your child has a disability, you must also show that you or the child under your care is financially needy. The family income level determines the amount of the monthly SSI check. The higher the income, the smaller the SSI check. Maximum income and resource levels vary depending on whether the applicant is a child or an adult. Your SSI caseworker can help you understand these income and resource guidelines.

To apply, visit your local Social Security office. The more you can tell your case worker, the more quickly your application will be processed. If you cannot fully complete the application form or do not have some of the information you need, you have the right to apply anyway. Your caseworker will give you time to get the necessary information. Try to bring as many of the following items as possible: