After nearly three years of inflation, many American households have fallen behind. Some little-known federal programs might be able to help.
For older Americans, and those with a disability, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may provide a financial benefit. How much of a benefit depends on the recipient’s circumstances.
The Supplemental Security Income program is administered by the Social Security Administration but is completely separate from Social Security. No Social Security tax money is used.
Could you be eligible? Here are the requirements:
Be disabled, blind, or age 65 or older
Have limited income and resources.
Be a U.S. citizen or national or a lawfully permitted alien meeting additional requirements
Reside in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands, except for a child of military parent(s) assigned to permanent duty anywhere outside the United States or certain students temporarily abroad
Other factors that may affect your eligibility include:
Marital status.
Income and resources of certain members in your household, like a spouse or a parent of a minor child.
The video below goes into greater detail about who can receive the benefits and what they entail.
To learn if you are eligible for any of Social Security's benefit programs, use the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool. There are a number of possible benefits, including income assistance, insurance, veterans benefits and disability assistance.
If, after taking the questionnaire you think you are eligible for any of the benefits you can contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).