What SSI payments are and who receives them

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a monthly cash payment from the Social Security Administration for people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have very limited income and resources. The payment goes directly to you — not to a program or agency — and you can use it for rent, food, utilities, or any living expense.

SSI is different from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSDI is based on your work history and contributions to Social Security. SSI is based on financial need, regardless of whether you ever worked. You can receive both at the same time, but they are separate programs with different rules.

The Social Security Administration manages SSI. You do not receive it through your state or local government, though your state may add extra money on top of the federal payment in some cases.

Key Takeaways

  • SSI payments arrive on the first, fourth, ninth, or sixteenth of each month depending on your birth date, and the amount varies by state because some states add supplemental payments on top of the federal amount.
  • You must have less than $2,000 in countable resources (the limit is $3,000 for a couple) and monthly income below a certain threshold to receive SSI.
  • The federal payment amount changes each year in January based on cost-of-living adjustments, and you will receive a notice in December showing your new amount.
  • If you work, you can still receive SSI, but your payment will be reduced based on how much you earn using a formula that allows you to keep some work income.
  • You must report changes in income, living situation, or resources within ten days or you may lose your payment or owe money back.

When SSI payments arrive each month

SSI payments are deposited into your bank account on a set schedule based on your birth date. If your birthday is between the 1st and 10th of the month, you receive payment on the 11th. If it is between the 11th and 20th, you receive payment on the 21st. If it is between the 21st and 31st, you receive payment on the first day of the next month.

This staggered schedule spreads payments across the month so the Social Security Administration can process them more smoothly. You can check your exact payment date by logging into your my Social Security account online or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Payments are always made by direct deposit to a checking or savings account. You cannot receive SSI by check or cash. If you do not have a bank account, you can open one at most banks and credit unions, and some offer accounts specifically designed for people receiving government benefits.

How much SSI pays and what affects the amount

The federal SSI payment amount changes every January based on a cost-of-living adjustment. The Social Security Administration announces the new amount in October, and you will receive a notice in December showing what you will receive starting in January. The exact amount you receive depends on your state, because some states add supplemental payments on top of the federal amount.

Your payment is reduced dollar-for-dollar if you have other income. If you work, the first $65 per month you earn is not counted, and then half of everything above that is subtracted from your SSI payment. This means you can work and still receive some SSI, but the payment will be smaller. If you receive Social Security retirement or disability benefits, those are counted as income and reduce your SSI payment.

If you have more than $2,000 in countable resources (or $3,000 if you are married), you lose SSI entirely. Countable resources include cash, bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. Your home and one car are not counted. Some items like household goods and personal effects are also excluded.

How to receive SSI if you do not have a bank account

Direct deposit is required for SSI payments, so you must have a bank account or an alternative account that can receive electronic transfers. If you do not have a traditional bank account, you have several options.

Many banks and credit unions offer basic savings accounts with low or no fees. You will need a photo ID and proof of address (a utility bill or lease works). Some institutions offer accounts designed for people with limited income and may waive certain fees.

If you cannot open a traditional bank account, you can use a prepaid debit card that accepts direct deposit. These cards work like a bank account for receiving payments but do not require a credit check or minimum balance. Ask the Social Security Administration about approved prepaid card options when you apply for SSI.

What happens if you miss a payment or it is late

SSI payments are rarely late if you have direct deposit set up correctly. If your payment does not arrive on your scheduled payment date, log into your my Social Security account to check the status, or call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative.

If there is a problem with your bank account — such as a closed account or incorrect routing number — the Social Security Administration will attempt to reissue the payment. You may receive it a few days late, or the agency may contact you to get corrected banking information.

If you lose your SSI payment because your account was closed or you moved and did not update your address, contact Social Security immediately. They can reissue the payment once the problem is fixed. Do not wait, because payments are not held indefinitely.

Reporting changes that affect your SSI payment

You must report certain changes to the Social Security Administration within ten days, or you risk losing your payment or being asked to repay money. Changes you must report include: starting or stopping work, a change in income amount, moving to a new address, a change in your living situation (such as moving in with someone else), receiving money or gifts, buying or selling property, or a change in your marital status.

You can report changes online through your my Social Security account, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Reporting online is usually the fastest method. Keep records of what you reported and when, in case there is a question later.

If you do not report a change and the Social Security Administration finds out, they may reduce or stop your payment. If you received money you were not supposed to, you may be asked to repay it. The sooner you report changes, the less likely you are to have problems.

SSI and work incentives

You can work and receive SSI at the same time. The Social Security Administration has rules that let you keep some of your work income without losing your entire payment.

The first $65 per month you earn is not counted. After that, half of your remaining earnings are subtracted from your SSI payment. For example, if you earn $200 per month, the first $65 is excluded, leaving $135. Half of $135 is $67.50, which is subtracted from your SSI payment. This means you keep your SSI payment minus $67.50.

There are also work incentive programs that allow you to set aside money for a work goal, such as starting a business or paying for training. These programs can help you build savings without losing SSI. Contact your local Social Security office or visit ssa.gov to learn about work incentive programs in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive SSI if I am living with family members?

Yes, but your payment may be reduced. If you live in someone else's household and they pay for your food or shelter, the Social Security Administration counts part of that as income to you. The reduction is called an "in-kind support and maintenance" reduction. Report your living situation when you apply so the amount is calculated correctly from the start.

What happens to my SSI if I go to jail or prison?

Your SSI payment stops if you are in jail or prison for more than one month. It resumes the month after you are released. You must report your release to Social Security within ten days so your payment restarts. If you are in a hospital or nursing home, different rules apply — contact Social Security to find out how your payment is affected.

Can I receive SSI while I am in school?

Yes. If you are under 22 and a full-time student, you can receive SSI. Being in school does not reduce your payment. However, if you work while in school, your earnings will reduce your SSI payment using the work incentive rules. Report your school status and any changes to your enrollment to Social Security.

What if my SSI payment is wrong?

Contact Social Security immediately at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. Bring documents that show your income, resources, and living situation. Social Security will review your case and correct the payment if there was an error. If you were overpaid, you may be able to set up a repayment plan rather than repaying the full amount at once.

Do I lose SSI if I receive a tax refund or inheritance?

A tax refund or inheritance counts as a resource. If it pushes your total resources above $2,000 (or $3,000 if married), you lose SSI until your resources drop back below the limit. Some inheritances can be set aside in certain trusts without counting toward the resource limit — ask Social Security about special needs trusts if you expect to receive an inheritance.