SSI (Supplemental Security Income)¶

Federal income supplement program providing monthly cash payments to aged, blind, and disabled individuals with limited income and resources. Funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security trust funds.

Monthly federal payment up to $994/month for eligible individuals and $1,491/month for eligible couples (2026 rates, 2.8% COLA increase). Many states add a state supplement. Benefits are reduced dollar-for-dollar by countable income after exclusions ($20 general + $65 earned income). SSI recipients are typically automatically eligible for Medicaid in most states.

Eligibility¶

Asset limit of $2,000
U.S. citizenship or qualified immigrant status required
Applicant age: at least 65

Services¶

Monthly federal payment up to $994/month for eligible individuals and $1,491/month for eligible couples (2026 rates, 2.8% COLA increase). Many states add a state supplement. Benefits are reduced dollar-for-dollar by countable income after exclusions ($20 general + $65 earned income). SSI recipients are typically automatically eligible for Medicaid in most states.

How to apply¶

Use the official program page for application details: official program page.

ssdi (alternative): SSDI is for workers with sufficient work history; SSI is needs-based with no work requirement

Who qualifies¶

Adults and children may qualify for SSI when they meet the income, resource, and status rules. Citizenship and immigration rules also apply.

Applicants must have limited income. [SSA eligibility rules]
The general resource limit is $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. [SSA eligibility rules]
An applicant must have a qualifying disability, blindness, or be age 65 or older. [SSA eligibility rules]

How payments work¶

The actual SSI payment can be lower than the federal maximum.

Income from work, non-work income such as benefits or pensions, living situation, and certain family members' income can change the payment. [SSA payment rules]
As a public rule of thumb, earned income usually reduces SSI by about $1 for every $2 earned, while non-work income usually reduces SSI by about $1 for every $1 received. [SSA payment rules]

SSI and disability planning tools¶

ABLE accounts — The first $100,000 in an ABLE account is disregarded for SSI resource counting. A higher balance can suspend SSI while Medicaid may continue if the person is otherwise eligible. [SSA ABLE guidance]
Special needs trusts — Trust rules are technical. Some trusts count as resources, and some shelter payments from a trust can reduce SSI. [SSA trust guidance]
Food is no longer included in SSI in-kind support and maintenance calculations as of September 30, 2024. [SSA trust guidance]