Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a Social Security program designed to help senior citizens over the age of 65 who are blind or disabled and have little or no income or resources. Social Security SSI benefits are paid for by the US Treasury, not by the FICA taxes that fund regular Social Security. To be eligible for SSI, applicants must meet certain low-income qualifications. They also must be able to prove they are blind or have a disability that has been diagnosed to last more than a year or lead to their death. Apart from senior citizens, children with disabilities and blindness can also be eligible for SSI under certain circumstance. Recipients of SSI are also allowed to receive government aid from other programs. This includes regular Social Security, Medicaid, food stamps, and social services. Federal SSI benefits are the same nationwide, with some states opting to add additional benefits to the program.