What type of assistance does the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provide?

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who have limited income and resources, specifically targeting those who are aged, blind, or disabled. The key feature of SSI is that it offers monthly payments to help recipients meet their basic living expenses, which include necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. This monthly benefit is essential for individuals who may struggle to find adequate support due to their financial constraints.

Understanding the purpose of SSI helps clarify why the correct answer emphasizes monthly payments for basic living expenses, as this aligns with the program's fundamental goal of reducing poverty and fostering economic security for vulnerable populations. Other choices, while they might relate to various forms of assistance, do not accurately reflect the nature of SSI benefits, which are specifically designed to provide ongoing, monthly support rather than lump sums or specific allowances.