This booklet provides a general overview of the SSI program. The information it contains is not meant to cover all parts of the law. For specific information about your case, contact Social Security. It pays monthly checks to people who are 65 or older, or blind, or have a disability and who don't own much or have a lot of income. SSI isn't just for adults.
Monthly checks can go to disabled and blind children, too.
Medicaid helps pay doctor and hospital bills. To get SSI, you must be 65 or older or blind or disabled. Blind means you are either totally blind or have very poor eyesight. Disabled means you have a physical or mental problem that keeps you from working and is expected to last at least a year or to result in death. When deciding if a child is disabled, Social Security looks at how his or her disability affects everyday life.