Originally named

Q&As about Supplemental Security Income

Information from Social Security Administration

QUESTION

What is SSI? -C. Pereira, Kendall, Florida

ANSWER

SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income. Social Security administers this program. We pay monthly benefits to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. Blind or disabled children may also get SSI. 

QUESTION

Who is eligible for SSI? -T. Dean, Miami Lakes, Florida

ANSWER

The SSI program provides monthly payments to people who: • Are at least age 65 or blind or disabled. • Have limited income (wages, pensions, etc.). • Have limited resources (the things you own). • Are U.S. citizens, nationals of the U.S., or some noncitizens. • Reside in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the

Northern Mariana Islands. Exception: The children of military parent(s) assigned to permanent duty outside the U.S. and certain students temporarily abroad may receive SSI payments outside the U.S.

QUESTION

How does SSI work? -U. Walker, Allapattah, Florida

ANSWER

SSI is a Federal program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes). It provides monthly payments to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. The base monthly federal amount varies depending on your living arrangement and countable income. You may be able to get SSI if your resources are worth $2,000 or less. A couple may be able to get SSI if they have resources worth $3,000 or less. Not everyone gets the same amount.

QUESTION

How is SSI benefits different from Social Security benefits? SSI is a Federal program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes). It provides monthly payments to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. The base monthly federal amount varies depending on your living arrangement and countable income. -A. McKeen, Coconut Grove, Florida

ANSWER

Social Security benefits may be paid to you and certain members of your family if you are “insured,” meaning you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. Unlike Social Security benefits, SSI benefits are not based on your prior work or a family member’s prior work. SSI is financed by general funds of the U.S. Treasury--personal income taxes, corporate and other taxes. Social Security taxes collected under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) or the Self-Employment Contributions Act (SECA) do not fund the SSI program.

CREATIVE CORNER

“Grandma” by Theresa Loder

Grandma told me stories When I climbed upon her knee

Now that I’m grown Living on my own She listens to stories From me

When I need someone To talk to I call her up And we go out to eat She never judges Or scolds me She just listens Then hits delete

I can always Call upon my grandma When I feel down And need a friendly ear

Telling stories to my grandma Makes everything In life So clear

Image from Amazon

For submissions: Send your poem (150 words or less) to editor@ lifestylesafter50.com with the words “Creative Corner” in the subject line.

CREATIVE CORNER CREATIVE CORNER

Are you an aspiring writer, poet or artist? Or maybe you want to try your hand at any of the above? We want to share your art! Read directions on how to submit your work below:

For submissions:

Send your short story or poem (150 words or less) or a photo of your artwork to Rebecca.Fending@ lifestylesafter50.com with the words “Creative Corner” in the subject line, or through our Facebook at www.facebook.com/LifestylesAfter50. Please include which Florida city you currently live in and your name. Artwork must be before the 15th of every month, otherwise it will be held as potential news for the following issue’s publication. Artwork is published on a basis of what space is available.