Supplemental Security Income, SSI, Title XVI (Title 16)

SSI is a disability program that supplements low SSD benefit amounts, or supplies benefits for those whose SSD amount is zero (those who, if they have worked at all, have not worked enough quarters to be covered under the system).

SSI is needs-based, or means-tested. Only those whose income and resources are low enough may qualify for SSI.

• Income: SSI looks at the entire household income, including the income of a spouse or deemed spouse.
• Resources: Sometimes called assets. Basically, the claimant can't have more than $2000 in the bank and only certain other assets.