Who is eligible for SSI?

People who are eligible for Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, include those who are disabled, blind, or over the age of 65 who have limited income or resources. SSI is only available to U.S. citizens and legal residents who do not have an active warrant for deportation.

SSI is funded by general tax revenues and is designed to provide monetary assistance to help with basic expenses. An applicant for SSI who has worked long enough may also qualify to receive Social Security disability benefits, too. The amount of time a person has to work to qualify varies depending on age, the disability and other factors.