Understanding Supplemental Security Income
Introduction2012 Edition

We created Understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to inform beneficiaries, potential beneficiaries, advocates and other interested agencies and organizations about SSI eligibility requirements and processes. 

We hope this knowledge will help people:

	apply for;
	establish eligibility for; and
	continue to receive SSI benefits for as long as they remain eligible.

Understanding SSI is a training manual and reference tool. It is not necessary for you to know everything in Understanding SSI. You may simply use and refer to those sections that are most useful to you.

If you have any questions while using Understanding SSI, please contact your local Social Security office, or call our toll–free number 1–800–772–1213. We can answer your questions. We can help you find your local field office at: secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp

You should refer any potentially eligible individuals to us to apply for SSI benefits or to get an answer to any question about which you are unsure. If you have any doubts about a person's eligibility, always refer him or her to us immediately to avoid a possible loss in benefits.

Understanding SSI is not a complete review of all SSI related rules and policies. It provides general information and does not replace the experts at Social Security. You must contact us for individual case information.

The Understanding SSI publication is available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/text-understanding-ssi.htm

You may also access this information in Spanish, "Comprendiendo Seguridad de Ingreso Suplementario," at: www.socialsecurity.gov/espanol/comprendiendoSSI/
(1.24 MB pdf).