Q & A
How do Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments differ?
Answer: The two programs are financed differently. Employment taxes primarily finance Social Security retirement, survivors and disability insurance benefits. Generally, we pay Social Security benefits to eligible workers and their families, based on the worker’s earnings. Meanwhile, general taxes fund the SSI program, which serves the needy. SSI eligibility depends largely on limited income and resources.
Source: Social Security Administration
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