What does Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provide?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who have limited income and resources, specifically targeting those who are aged, blind, or disabled. By focusing on cash benefits for adults and children with disabilities, SSI aims to ensure that these eligible individuals have a basic level of financial support for their daily living expenses.

The program is particularly important because it not only assists adults with disabilities but also extends support to children who have disabilities, thereby addressing the needs of some of the most vulnerable populations. By offering cash benefits, SSI helps recipients afford necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter, which can greatly improve their quality of life.

Options relating to emergency health care or housing assistance do exist in other programs but are not the primary function of SSI. The distinction here emphasizes SSI's specific focus on providing monetary support to those with disabilities rather than other forms of assistance.