Although the national economy is reportedly getting better, there are still millions of Americans who have yet to see any tangible evidence of a recovery. For the millions of Americans just struggling to get by, including many Los Angeles residents, it can seem like there is no help to be found. However, for those individuals over the age of 65, or those who are living with blindness and even for those who caring for disabled children, Supplemental Security Income could provide some much needed financial assistance.
One of the main problems with SSI benefits, however, is that many people simply do not know much about this assistance program. Recognizing this problematic issue, a recent article tried to spell out the most basic information about Supplemental Security Income.
As the article points out, SSI is a very different program from Social Security retirement benefits or Social Security disability benefits. Someone who is applying for SSI benefits must meet very strict requirements. And, even if an applicant is approved to receive SSI benefits, the actual amount that is paid out will most likely be affected by the applicant’s current financial circumstances.
Most people are familiar with SSI benefits because they know someone who has a disabled child for whom the caretaker receives the financial assistance and uses to care for that child. Cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and muscular dystrophy are all disabilities that could warrant SSI benefits if a child is living with these conditions. With the financial assistance SSI benefits provide, the caretakers of children with these disabilities will hopefully be able to support their unique needs better than they would have been able to otherwise.
Source: farmforum.net, Supplemental Security Income explained,” Howard I. Kossover, May 23, 2014
