Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is not the same as Social Security disability (SSD). SSI is designed to pay a monthly benefit to people with limited income who are disabled, blind, or ages 65 or older. Many people who are eligible for SSI may also be entitled to receive SSD benefits. In fact, the application for SSI is also an application for SSD benefits and is administered by the Social Security Administration. Unlike SSD benefits, SSI benefits are not based on work history. SSI benefits are financed by the U.S. Treasury (in other words personal, corporate, or other taxes). SSI benefits are not paid for by your contributions to Social Security through your employer, so there is no requirement that you “pay in to the system” to qualify for this benefit. In most states, a person who receives SSI benefits can also qualify for Medicaid health care coverage.