Supplemental Security Income

To ensure a minimum level of income to persons who have attained age 65 or are blind or disabled, and whose income and resources are below specified levels. SEC 1601- SSI was created for the purpose of establishing a national program to provide suppl

SSI provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability and who have limited income and resources below the program's specific financial limit. Individuals who are 65 years and over can also receive payments even if they are do not have a disability. To qualify for SSI payments, individuals must live in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands and be a US citizen or national. In some cases, US non-citizens residing on the US can qualify for SSI.

• Individuals age 65 or older, or • Individuals of any age who are blind or have a disability and have limited income and resources.

Individuals who have attained age 65 or are blind or disabled, who continue to meet the income and resources tests, citizenship/qualified alien status, U.S. residence, and certain other requirements. Eligibility may continue for beneficiaries who engage in substantial gainful activity despite disabling physical or mental impairments.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are made to persons who have attained age 65 or who are blind or disabled and meet the means-tested and other requirements of the program. Generally, there are no restrictions on the use of benefits received by beneficiaries, although the right to future benefits is not transferable or assignable. The Federal government gives the States funds, in advance or by way of reimbursement, for necessary costs in making disability determinations under 20 CFR 404 subparts P and Q and part 416 subparts I and J. Necessary costs are direct as well as indirect costs as defined in 41 CFR 1-15, subpart 1-15.7 of the Federal Procurement Regulations System for costs incurred before April 1, 1984; and 48 CFR 31, Subpart 31.6 of the Federal Acquisition Regulations System and Federal Management Circular No. A-74-4 as amended or superseded for costs incurred after March 31, 1984.

Benefits are paid monthly. Accrued benefits are paid in a lump sum unless they exceed a specified amount in which case they are paid in up to three installments at 6 month intervals. In the case of a disabled child, accrued payments over a certain amount must be retained in a dedicated account and used only for certain approved expenditures.

The individual (and representative payee, if any,) will be notified by mail of award or denial.

A redetermination of a person's benefit amount and continuing eligibility will be made on a scheduled basis at periodic intervals. Unscheduled redeterminations are made when changes in circumstances are reported. The length of time between scheduled redetermination varies depending on the likelihood that the beneficiary's situation may change in a way that affects payment amount or eligibility.

Call toll free at 1 (800) 772-1213 or telephone or visit the local Social Security Office. The appeal process ranges from a case review or field office conference to a review by the Federal Courts. An appeal must be requested within 60 days of the date on which a written notice of SSA's initial determination is received by the applicant. The 60 days start the day after you receive the notice.