Over 7 million people in the United States benefit from SSI (Supplemental Security Income) each year. Keep reading as our Winter Garden SSI attorney shares the history of SSI.

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides monthly cash assistance to people who are disabled, blind, or elderly and have little income and few assets. This federally-managed program ensures that beneficiaries across the United States meet the uniform eligibility requirements and receive set payments.  SSI replaced the patchwork of former federal and state adult assistance programs, standardizing aid across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The program, funded by general tax revenues, aims not just to provide cash assistance for basic needs like food and shelter, but also enables access to Medicaid in most states, offering critical healthcare support for those in need. As Winter Garden SSI attorneys, our firm assists eligible individuals as they navigate through the claims process and pursue the income they rely on. 

The Predecessors of SSI

Support for those that are financially disadvantaged, especially those that are in their situation because of the inability to work due to old age or disability, has always existed. In colonial America, the idea of welfare was influenced by the English Poor Laws, with their principle of providing assistance to those who were deemed “worthy” poor. There were no standardized criteria for eligibility or public institutions for those with low incomes for almost a century; local town elders were tasked with deciding who would receive support and in what form. As American society became more complex and mobile, these localized systems were strained. Almshouses and poorhouses were created, with most poverty relief provided in these institutions throughout much of the 18th and 19th centuries. The role of government in poverty relief was minimized, and it was not until the 20th century that federal assistance became more systematized and widespread.

The Birth of SSI

The Social Security program went through a wide variety of amendments following the original Social Security Act of 1935. The 1972 Social Security Amendments marked a significant milestone with the introduction of SSI. Funded by general revenues and based on need, eligibility for SSI involved evaluating an individual’s income and resources. The definition of disability employed in the disability insurance benefits was adopted into the SSI program, albeit with modifications for claimants below 18 years of age. Additional provisions from the disability insurance program, such as a 9-month trial work period and suspension of payments for refusal to accept rehabilitation services, were also incorporated into SSI. In addition to federal SSI payments, many states offer supplemental payments to eligible individuals. 

The Impact of SSI

The SSI program has had a significant impact on recipients in the years following its establishment. Those who benefit from SSI would not normally have the resources to pay for shelter, clothing, food, and other basic necessities. Another benefit to recipients is that, unlike standard Social Security benefits, eligibility for SSI is not dependent on years worked or earnings during those years.

Culbertson, Jacobs & LaBoda: Your Winter Garden SSI Attorneys

Social Security programs undergo continuous examination, change, and refinement. As Winter Park SSI attorneys, our firm follows these changes closely so we can offer the most accurate and current information to our clients. If you have been denied SSI benefits or are going through the claims process, we are here to help. We have over 40 years of experience serving the Central Florida area, and we would be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.