SSI: 50 Years of Financial Security
We’re celebrating 50 years of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.
President Nixon signed the SSI program into law on October 30, 1972. Two years later, in January 1974, the agency began paying SSI benefits to people who meet the eligibility requirements. SSI recipients have limited income and resources, and this monthly payment helps meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.
Fifty years later, SSI remains a lifeline program for millions of people and households. SSI helps children and adults under age 65 who have a disability or are blind and who have income and resources below specific financial limits. People age 65 and older without disabilities–who meet the financial qualifications–may also receive SSI payments.
If you want to apply for SSI, it’s best to start the process online. The online process takes about five to ten minutes, and no documentation is required to start. We will need the following basic information about you or the person you’re helping:
- The name, date of birth, Social Security number, mailing address, phone number, and email address (optional) of the person who is interested in applying for SSI.
- If helping another person, we need your name, phone number, and email address (optional).
Once you provide this information and answer a few questions, we will schedule an appointment to help you apply for benefits. We will send a confirmation with the appointment date and time by mail and email (if provided). In some cases, we may call you to schedule the appointment.
If you’re unable to begin the process online, you may schedule an appointment by calling
Please share this information with your friends and family who need it–and post it on social media.