Supplemental Security Income

Program Goal

To assist low-income children who are disabled or blind.

Eligibility

Children under the age of 18 (or individuals, age 18-22, who regularly attend school, college or training that is designed to prepare them for paying jobs) who meet the federal medical and financial criteria. In New York State, all Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients are eligible to receive Medicaid.

Description

The SSI Program is administered by the federal Social Security Administration (SSA). A child under 18 may be found disabled if he or she has a physical or mental impairment or combination of impairments that causes marked and severe functional limitations, and that can be expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months or can be expected to result in death. Individuals, 18-22 years old, are evaluated as adults, i.e., whether they have a physical or mental impairment(s) or combinations of impairments which prevent them from working for at least 12 months or are likely to result in death.

The SSA considers parental income and resources in determining financial eligibility for individuals under age 18, who live at home. Some types of income and resources are not applied.

For More Information

Call or visit your local Social Security field office; or call 1-800-772-1213.

You can also visit the SSA website at: www.ssa.gov/pgm/ssi.htm.

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Publication 0548
Revised 10/2013