The state Supplemental Assistance Program provides an additional payment to low-income aged and blind individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and provides adult group care facilities with a greater supplement to assist recipients in avoiding or delaying institutionalization. The federal government started the SSI program on January 1, 1974. The program is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), and states were given the option to make payments in addition to the amount paid by the federal government. Nevada has paid a state supplement to the aged and blind since the start of the program. The prevention or delay of institutionalization results in cost savings for the Medicaid program.
The Division of Social Services contracts with the SSA to determine eligibility for and issue the state supplement. States pay a per-check-charge for each SSI payment made. The state supplement and federal payment are paid monthly to the recipient and combined in one check from the SSA. Statutory Authority: NRS 422A.