SSI Disability is also known as Supplemental Security Income. It is a monthly stipend provided by the government. SSI Disability payments are given to individuals with limited income and financial resources that are also disabled, blind, or 65 and older.

Where Does Funding for SSI Come From?

SSI is funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes.

How is SSI Different than Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

Unlike SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), SSI pays benefits based on financial need. The amount a person receives under SSI is based on their income and their resources--or assets. The income and resource limits vary by state. In most states, the limit for resources (not including your home) is near $2,000. In contrast, the amount a person receives under Social Security Disability is based on a person's work history and past earnings.

Additionally, SSI Disability is designed to help blind, disabled and individuals ages 65 and older with little or no income, while Social Security Disability helps individuals who are unable to work because of a disability.

Do I Qualify to Receive SSI Disability?

The SSI program makes payments to people who fit one or more of the following requirements:
- You are age 65 or older
- You are blind
- You are disabled
- You have low income and limited resources

Receiving SSI for Persons Age 65 or Older:

A person may receive SSI is they are age 65 or older. To be eligible for SSI, an individual must legally reside in one of the US states and have income and resources below certain limits. If you meet these requirements, you may apply for SSI by completing an application from the Social Security Administration's website.

Receiving SSI for Persons Who Are Blind:

A person may receive SSI if they are blind as defined by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA defines a blind person as an individual with a "central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the use of a correcting lens." If you are legally blind or have low vision, you may apply for SSI by completing an application from the Social Security Administration's website.

Receiving SSI for Persons Who Are Disabled:

A person may receive SSI if they are disabled. The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines a disability as the "inability to engage in any significantly gainful employment by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death, or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months." If you are disabled, you may apply for SSI by completing an application from the Social Security Administration's website.

SSI Disability and Appealing Your Case:

Did you apply for SSI Disability Benefits and get an unfavorable response from the Social Security Administration?

In order to appeal your SSI decision, you must complete a request for reconsideration. If the reconsideration does not create a favorable response, you will have to go to a hearing by an administrative law judge. The next level of appeal is a council review and (finally) a federal court.

If you are disabled and have trouble getting the benefits you deserve, consider working with a Disability Lawyer. He or she will be able to review your case and help you win your case to receive Supplemental Security Income.