Then President Nixon signed the law that enabled the implementation of the Supplemental Security program by the government in 1972. This is to consolidate various state programs serving the aged, blind and disabled citizens. From then on, it has been proven an effective tool in improving the quality of lives of the aged (65 and above) and the disabled who have very limited financial resources.
The Supplemental Security Income program managed by the Social Security Administration aims to provide financial support to those people who receive low Social Security benefits or do not receive anything at all. It is actually based on people's needs, especially for those who have been unemployed or have insufficient earnings for some time. As its term suggest, it supplements low Social Security Disability benefits.
Aside from monetary support, the SSI program offers work incentives and medical assistance through Medicaid. This alleviates the plight of those living below the poverty level and enables them to afford basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing.
According to records, approximately 6.7 million people benefit from this federal program. More than 65% of the SSI beneficiaries receive insufficient Social Security benefits and therefore qualifies them for such financial assistance. Meanwhile, some claims of the aged population have been denied because they still have ample resources to support their needs. They only become eligible after they have exhausted their resources for necessities and health care.
Another notable consequence of the establishment of the SSI program is the decrease in number of mentally impaired patients in public mental institutions. Before this federal program started, the government supports at least half a million mentally challenged patients. Because of SSI and Medicaid, the families' of these patients are now in a position to take care of their loved ones in the comfort of their own communities and homes. From half a million in 1955, the figure drastically declined to more or less 60,000 in 2003 and is targeted to continue sliding until there is no one left in these institutions.
Presently, the SSA has been assisting approximately 2.8 million mental patients with schizophrenia and other severe mental impairment. Around one million of these patients are suffering from mental retardation.
In addition, the SSI program also imparts relief to those low-income parents who are caring for their disabled children. This is because the government understands how hard it is to take care of a mentally impaired child, especially if the parents are experiencing financial difficulties.
Finally, SSI encourages and helps persons with disabilities find jobs that they are capable of performing. The goal is to help them be more productive and earn their living in spite of their disabilities.
Please log on to our website for more information and resources concerning your Supplemental Security Income Claim and Supplemental Security Income Benefits
