Supplemental Security Income Benefits

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program in the United States that provides financial assistance to individuals who are aged (65 or older), blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources. SSI is designed to help people meet their basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. Unlike Social Security benefits, which are based on work history and earnings, SSI is a needs-based program, meaning eligibility is determined by financial need rather than employment history.

Eligibility

SSI benefits may be paid to individuals who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. Recipients must have limited income and resources. The income limit varies based on whether the person is single or married, and resources (such as savings, property, etc.) must be below certain thresholds.

Income and Resources

SSI benefits are designed to supplement income, so if a person has other sources of income (like wages, pensions, or other benefits), those amounts may reduce the SSI payment. The program has strict limits on the resources a person can have to qualify. For example, as of 2024, the limit for an individual is $2,000 in countable resources, and for couples, it’s $3,000.

Benefit Amount

The amount of SSI benefits varies based on the recipient's financial situation. The federal government provides a base payment, but some states offer additional payments on top of the federal amount. The state of South Carolina does not.

Our Charleston disability attorney has handled numerous cases over the past 30+ years, making close relationships with the Social Security judges, local doctors and hospitals, and even the people who work for South Carolina's Social Security offices. That's where Milton English & Whitten, a trusted and dedicated Charleston disability attorney, can help you make your case.