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FOR PEOPLE WITH LIMITED INCOME

Supplemental Security IncomeSSI

Explore monthly support based on limited income and resources. A prior work history is not required for SSI.

  • Limited countable income and resources
  • Disability, blindness, or age 65 or older
  • Additional residency and citizenship rules
LET’S START WITH YOU01 / 06

Your SSI Next Steps.

Start with your details, then explore support for yourself or someone you help.

Provide a phone number or email address. For a child’s claim, use the parent or guardian’s contact details.

Your details are sent only when you review and confirm your request.

No Social Security number or medical records needed. Privacy & Terms

YOUR SSI PATH

Start Where You Are.

01

Preparing to Apply

Understand what to gather and where to apply.

Explore My SSI Options02

Application Pending

Track your application and respond to requests.

Follow My SSI Claim03

Denied Benefits

Review your decision and appeal options.

Review My SSI Decision
Two adults reviewing an open folder beside a window; illustrative stock photograph.
AT A GLANCE

Financial Need Meets Program Eligibility

A work history is not required for SSI.

Your Financial Situation

Countable income, resources, and living arrangements

Your Eligibility Route

Disability, blindness, or age 65 or older

Agency Review

Social Security reviews financial eligibility and the other requirements that apply to you.

A simplified overview. Other rules apply; this is not an eligibility test.

Official SSA Requirements

How SSI Works

SSI is a needs-based program. It can support eligible adults and children with disabilities, people who are blind, and adults age 65 or older. Unlike SSDI, it does not require a work record.

Income and Resources Matter

Social Security reviews countable income, resources, and living arrangements. Not everything you receive or own counts. Financial rules can also involve a spouse’s or parent’s income and resources. Check the current rules directly with SSA.

What to Prepare

Have information about income, bank accounts and other resources, household and living arrangements, and identity and residency. If you are applying based on disability, also gather information about your medical care and how your condition affects daily activities.

A Guide, Not a Benefits Decision

Only Social Security can decide whether you qualify. This website does not submit a benefits application or establish representation.

Source: Social Security Administration

Explore Further

More SSI Guides

All Resources
SSI

SSI for Premature and Low-Birth-Weight Babies

Find out how SSA evaluates low birth weight and what parents can prepare for an SSI application.

SSI

How a Nursing Home Stay Can Affect SSI

Understand why facility type, length of stay and payment for care matter to SSI.

COMMON QUESTIONS

SSI Questions.

Answers about income, resources & household.

Visit the Resource Center
Can I Apply for SSI without a Work History?

Yes. SSI does not require prior contributions through a work record. Income, resources, and age, blindness, or disability requirements still apply, along with other program rules.

Learn More
Can a Child Receive SSI?

Children may qualify based on disability or blindness and the applicable financial rules. Social Security uses a different disability standard for children and may consider parental income and resources.

Learn More
Do People Age 65 or Older Need to Prove Disability?

SSI has an age-based route for people age 65 or older. A disability is not required for that route, but financial and other eligibility requirements still apply.

Learn More
SSI NEXT STEPS

Your SSI Next Steps.

Income, Resources & Household

Explore My SSI Options