Happy Anniversary SSI

This week marks the 45th anniversary of Supplemental Security Income or SSI. SSI is a program that provides income supplements to people who are older, blind or disabled and have very little income or assets. Blind or disabled children may also receive benefits from the program. The system that originally supported these populations was a patchwork of federal and state programs with varying rules, eligibility standards and benefits. On October 30, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed the Social Security Amendments, creating SSI and replacing this patchwork system with one centralized federal program.


Decades later, SSI remains a critical lifeline that helps people afford basic life necessities such as food, shelter and medical care. In most states, people with SSI can get Medicaid, which is critical for low-income people with serious medical needs. Medicaid covers many long-term care costs for SSI beneficiaries with severe disabilities or advanced illness. Beneficiaries may also be eligible for other assistance programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Please contact your local social services office to learn more about other programs that offer critical supports for people with SSI.