QUESTION: What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

ANSWER: SSI provides monthly income to people with limited income and financial resources. People who never worked won’t qualify for Social Security, but may still be eligible for SSI. To be eligible, an individual must be a citizen and a United States resident or be a noncitizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence. There are, however, some noncitizens granted a special immigration status that are also eligible. An individual’s financial resources (savings and assets) cannot be more than $2,000 ($3,000, if married). Some resources are not counted. Recipients must be age 65 or older, or blind or disabled. For more information, visit www.socialsecurity.gov.