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Income Assistance

There are five major programs that can provide mainstream income assistance for people who are homeless: Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and VA Compensation. The Social Security Administration administers Social Security, SSI, and SSDI.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are the most common programs people who are homeless will access for income assistance.

SSI is the most likely program that will provide income assistance for your client if he/she is blind, disabled or at least 65 years old, and especially if your client is single, without much income or resources, and has limited work history.

SSDI is for people with a disability who have earned the required work credits over their lifetime.

For your clients who are homeless, the same medical requirements and process determine his/her disability for SSI and SSDI. Eligibility requirements differ. For more information about how your client who is homeless can qualify and apply for SSI and SSDI, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/d&s1.htm.

Social Security – a monthly benefit program for people age 62 and over
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – a monthly benefit program for people with little income and who are disabled
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – a monthly benefit for people who are disabled
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – a cash benefit and work opportunities program for needy families with children
VA Compensation - a monthly benefit paid to veterans who are disabled by injury or disease that developed or worsened in the line of duty