Supplemental Security Income, commonly known as SSI, is a federal program providing monetary benefits to people age 65 or older, people suffering from blindness, or any qualifying medical condition that keeps them from working and is expect to last at least one year.

If you met the age or disability requirement you must still show that you have little or no income and very few possessions. In New York State, if you own items worth more than $2,000.00 as a single person or more than $3,000.00 as a married couple, you may be disqualified from receiving these benefits.

The value of certain items, including your house and vehicle, does not count toward this resource threshold.

The total monthly SSI payment amount for a person living alone in New York State in the year 2010 is $761.00 per month. Other amounts apply to those living with others, hospitalized, or receiving support and maintenance payments.