Every Senior Benefit

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

In short: SSI pays a monthly amount to people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and who have very little income and savings. You do not need a work history. In 2026 the full federal payment is $994 a month for one person and $1,491 for a couple. Many states add their own payment. People on SSI usually also get Medicaid and Extra Help.

Who can get it

  • You are 65 or older, or blind, or have a disability.
  • Your countable income is below the SSI payment amount (see below).
  • Your savings and other countable things you own are worth no more than $2,000 for one person or $3,000 for a couple.
  • You live in the United States and are a U.S. citizen or a noncitizen in certain groups (for example, some refugees, people admitted for permanent residence with 40 work credits, and some veterans and their families).
  • You can get SSI and Social Security at the same time if your Social Security payment is small.

How much it pays

SSI tops up your other income to the federal amount, after some income is not counted:

  • The first $20 a month of most income is not counted.
  • The first $65 a month of pay from work, and half of the rest, is not counted.
  • Everything else, including Social Security and pensions, lowers SSI dollar for dollar.

Example: A single person whose only income is a Social Security payment of $700 a month. Countable income is $700 minus $20. SSI pays the difference between that and $994.

If someone else pays your rent or other shelter costs, or you live in their home without paying your share, your SSI may be lower. Food someone gives you no longer counts against SSI.

State payments: Many states add money to the federal SSI payment, which can also raise the income limit. State guides are being added.

What counts as savings and property

Counted: cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and property other than your home.

Not counted: the home you live in, one car, household goods and personal items, burial plots, and up to $1,500 each (for you and your spouse) set aside for burial.

What else SSI brings

  • Medicaid: in most states you get Medicaid automatically with SSI. In some states you apply separately.
  • Extra Help with Medicare drug costs, automatically. See Extra Help.
  • Medicare Part B premium: your state usually pays it.
  • SNAP food benefits: many SSI recipients also qualify.

How to apply

  • By phone: call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, and ask for an appointment to apply for SSI. Ask for a free interpreter if you need one. The date of your first call can count as your application date, which can mean more back pay.
  • In person: find your office at ssa.gov/locator.
  • Online: most people 65 and over cannot complete an SSI application online, but you can request an appointment at ssa.gov/ssi.

What to have ready: Social Security number, proof of age, proof of citizenship or immigration status, bank statements, papers showing income (award letters, pay stubs), your lease or mortgage and utility bills, and the names of anyone you live with.

After you get SSI

Report changes in income, savings, where you live, or who lives with you by the 10th of the next month. Late reports can lead to overpayments that must be paid back.

Common mistakes

  • Not applying because you get Social Security. Many people get both.
  • Counting your home or car. They are not counted.
  • Spending down savings the wrong way. Giving money away can cause a penalty. Paying debts, buying household items or prepaying a funeral are allowed. Ask before you act.

Check what you may qualify for

Sources

Page last reviewed: 1791763200