Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a Federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes.
SSI vs. SSDI
SSI does not require that you worked in the past and paid into the program. SSDI is paid on a monthly basis to its recipients and received by those who have paid Social Security taxes.
To begin the qualifying process for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you must submit a claim to the Social Security Administration (SSA).