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 if they meet all three core tests[^ssa-ssi-eligibility]:

Limited income
Limited resources — generally $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple
Status qualification — disability, blindness, or age 65 or older

Citizenship and immigration rules also apply.

How payments work¶

Your actual payment may be lower than the federal maximum. SSA explains that payments can change based on[^ssa-ssi-amount]:

income from work
non-work income such as benefits or pensions
living situation
certain family members' income

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-ssi-amount].

SSI and disability planning tools¶

Two planning tools matter often for families trying to preserve SSI while paying for disability-related needs:

ABLE accounts — the first $100,000 in an ABLE account is disregarded for SSI resource counting; balances above that can suspend SSI, while Medicaid may continue if the person is otherwise eligible[^ssa-able-accounts]
Special needs trusts — trust rules are technical; some trusts count as resources, and some shelter payments from a trust can reduce SSI[^ssa-trusts]

SSA also notes that food is no longer included in SSI in-kind support calculations as of late 2024, which is an important update for families reading older trust guidance[^ssa-trusts].