1. Exceptional Lives
  2. Massachusetts Guides
  3. Transition to Adulthood
  4. Find more support

SSI and other state and federal benefits

SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income.

It's a US government program that gives monthly payments to people who have low income and not many resources.

See our SSI Guide to learn about this benefit and how to apply.

  • Go to Tools at the top of your screen and choose Topics & Guides.

Find out about other benefits:

  • Use the Social Security Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool to see if your child qualifies for other state and federal benefit programs. (It will open in a new tab on your screen)

 

Click on the button below to learn more:

SSI is a program of the US federal government. It gives monthly payments to people who have low income and few resources.

what can SSI do for my family? SSI can help pay for basic needs, like food, housing, clothing and more. It can make your family member qualify right away for Medicaid, and maybe other state insurance programs.

Go to our SSI Guide to learn about this benefit and how to apply.

How do you qualify for SSI? You must meet guidelines for disabilty, resources and income.

How is qualifying for SSI different for children and adults? For ages 17 and under, the definition of a disability includes life skills, for 18 and over, it also includes the ability to work. For ages 17 and under, SSI looks at the income and resources of the parents, but for 18 and over, SSI just counts the income and resouces that are in the person's own name.

Sources: Social Security, Jackins (2010)

Sources: Social Security, Jackins (2010)