Supplemental Security Income — commonly called SSI — is a federal benefit program administered by the Social Security Administration that provides monthly cash payments to low income individuals who are aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled. Unlike Social Security retirement and disability benefits SSI eligibility is not based on work history or Social Security taxes paid. It is based entirely on financial need.
SSI is one of the most important safety net programs available to low income older adults and people with disabilities in the United States. Understanding who qualifies, how much the benefit pays, and how to apply can help eligible individuals access this critical source of financial support.
Who qualifies for SSI
To qualify for SSI a person must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled
- Have limited income below the program’s income limits
- Have limited assets — generally no more than $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple
- Be a U.S. citizen or meet certain immigration requirements
- Reside in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands
- Not be absent from the country for more than 30 consecutive days
For SSI purposes disability is defined as a physical or mental condition that prevents substantial gainful activity and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The SSA uses the same definition of disability for SSI as it does for Social Security Disability Insurance — SSDI.
How much SSI pays
The SSI federal benefit rate is set by Congress and adjusted annually for inflation. As of 2024 the federal benefit rate is:
- $943 per month for an individual
- $1,415 per month for a couple
Many states supplement the federal SSI benefit with additional state payments. The amount of the state supplement varies significantly by state — some states provide substantial supplements while others provide little or none. Contact your state’s Social Security office or Medicaid agency to find out about state supplements available in your state.
How income affects SSI
SSI has an income limit but not all income is counted when determining eligibility and benefit amounts. The SSA excludes certain types of income from its calculations including:
- The first $20 per month of most income
- The first $65 per month of earned income plus half of remaining earned income
- Food stamps — SNAP benefits
- Most home energy assistance
- Some scholarships and educational grants
After these exclusions are applied the remaining countable income is subtracted from the federal benefit rate to determine the actual SSI payment. This means that people with some income may still qualify for a partial SSI benefit even if their income exceeds the full benefit rate.
How assets affect SSI
SSI has strict asset limits — $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Not all assets are counted toward these limits. Exempt assets typically include:
- The primary residence regardless of value
- One vehicle regardless of value in most cases
- Personal belongings and household furnishings
- Life insurance with a face value of $1,500 or less
- Burial plots and prepaid funeral arrangements up to certain limits
Countable assets that must be below the limit include bank accounts, investments, additional real estate, and cash value of life insurance above the exempt amount.
SSI and Medicaid
In most states SSI recipients are automatically eligible for Medicaid which provides comprehensive health coverage including doctor visits, hospital care, and prescription drugs. This automatic Medicaid eligibility is one of the most significant benefits of SSI for low income older adults and people with disabilities.
In some states Medicaid eligibility is not automatic for SSI recipients and a separate Medicaid application must be submitted. Contact your state’s Medicaid agency to find out how SSI and Medicaid eligibility are linked in your state.
SSI and Social Security
Some people receive both SSI and Social Security benefits at the same time. This is called being dually eligible. Social Security benefits count as income for SSI purposes which reduces the SSI payment. However if Social Security benefits are low enough a person may still qualify for a partial SSI payment in addition to their Social Security benefit.
How to apply for SSI
Applications for SSI can be submitted in several ways:
- By phone — call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to apply by phone or to schedule an in-person appointment
- In person — visit your local Social Security office. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov.
- Online — people aged 65 or older who are not applying for disability can apply for SSI online at ssa.gov
You will need to provide the following information when applying:
- Proof of age such as a birth certificate
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status
- Social Security number
- Proof of residence such as a lease or utility bill
- Information about income and assets including bank statements and financial account information
- Medical records if applying based on disability
- Information about any other benefits currently received
What to expect after applying
After you submit an SSI application the Social Security Administration will review it and may request additional information or documentation. For disability-based SSI claims the SSA will evaluate whether your medical condition meets its definition of disability which can take several months.
If your application is approved SSI payments typically begin the month after the month you applied or the month you became eligible whichever is later. If your application is denied you have the right to appeal the decision.
SSI and work incentives
People who receive SSI and want to work can take advantage of several work incentive programs that allow them to earn income without immediately losing their SSI benefits:
- Earned income exclusion — as described above the SSA excludes the first $65 of earned income per month plus half of remaining earned income from its SSI calculations
- Plan to Achieve Self-Support — PASS — allows SSI recipients to set aside income or assets to achieve a work goal such as education, vocational training, or starting a business without those funds counting toward SSI limits
- Student earned income exclusion — SSI recipients under age 22 who are regularly attending school can exclude a significant amount of earned income from SSI calculations
Key terms to know
- Supplemental Security Income — SSI — a needs-based federal benefit program providing monthly payments to low income aged blind or disabled individuals
- Federal benefit rate — the maximum monthly SSI payment set by Congress and adjusted annually
- State supplement — additional SSI payments provided by some states above the federal benefit rate
- Countable income — income that is included in SSI calculations after applicable exclusions
- Countable assets — assets that are included in SSI’s asset limit calculations
- Dually eligible — a person who receives both SSI and Social Security benefits
- Plan to Achieve Self-Support — PASS — an SSI work incentive that allows recipients to set aside resources to achieve a work goal
- Substantial gainful activity — a level of work activity and earnings used by the SSA to determine disability eligibility
Sources
- Social Security Administration — ssa.gov
- Medicaid.gov
- USA.gov — Social Security
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. SSI rules and benefit amounts are subject to change. Visit ssa.gov or contact the Social Security Administration for the most current information specific to your situation.