SSI does have to do with food stamps; it is run by your state and they have their way of running it (that is different from other states); go to your state page and it will tell you what you need to know:

http://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/progd...t/2011/co.html

http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite.../1251580725146

When you apply, a state examiner looks at your information and decides; some states are "easier" to get SSI from than others, even though it is a Federal program and no way to really know that since each state administers it and one can't really compare me, in Maryland to you in Colorado, etc. to know if we're the same. How much each state gets from the Feds is based on population, etc. so California, for example, is going to get more than Maryland. But, too, the State has to use some of its funds and Maryland might give more per resident than California, it's a little like school systems.