categorical assistance

Welfare programs for specific groups of people identified in the Social Security Act. Originally, the programs were Old Age Assistance (OAA), Aid to the Blind (AB), Aid to Dependent Children, and Aid to the Totally and Permanently Disabled (ATPD). Needy people in these categories could receive financial assistance from their respective states, supplemented by federal grants. In 1974 responsibility for the three adult categories was assumed by the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.