What SSI is and who can receive it

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal cash payment program run by the Social Security Administration for people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources. The program is not the same as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is based on work history. SSI is a needs-based program, meaning your income and assets matter as much as your condition.

To receive SSI, you must meet three conditions at the same time: you must be aged, blind, or disabled under Social Security's definition; your monthly income must fall below a certain amount (which varies by state and household situation); and your countable resources must not exceed $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. The income and resource limits change each year.

SSI is available to U.S. citizens, nationals, and certain non-citizens. If you are not yet a citizen, your immigration status affects whether you can receive SSI. Children can receive SSI if they meet the disability and financial requirements, though the rules for counting parental income are different from rules for adults.

Key Takeaways

  • SSI requires you to be 65 or older, blind, or disabled; have monthly income below a set limit; and have countable resources under $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple).
  • You must contact Social Security directly to start the process—there is no online form to submit without speaking to someone first.
  • Social Security will ask for documents proving your age, citizenship or immigration status, income, resources, and medical evidence of disability if you are applying based on disability.
  • The decision process typically takes three to five months, though it can take longer if Social Security needs more medical records or information from you.
  • If Social Security denies your claim, you can request reconsideration or file an appeal, and you have the right to representation during any appeal.

How to start the SSI process

Contact your local Social Security office by phone, in person, or through the Social Security website. You can call the national Social Security number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to schedule an appointment or ask questions. When you call, have your Social Security number ready, along with basic information about your age, income, and why you believe you meet the requirements.

You can also visit a Social Security office in person. To find the office nearest you, go to the Social Security website and use their office locator tool. Bring identification and any documents you already have about your income and resources. If you are applying based on disability, bring medical records or the names and addresses of doctors who have treated you.

If you cannot visit an office or make a phone call yourself, someone else can help you start the process. A family member, friend, or representative can contact Social Security on your behalf, though Social Security may still need to speak with you directly to verify information.

Documents you will need to gather

Social Security will ask for proof of your age, such as a birth certificate, passport, or driver's license. You will also need to prove your citizenship or immigration status. U.S. citizens should bring a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. Non-citizens need to bring their immigration documents, such as a green card, visa, or work permit.

Bring documentation of your income and resources. This includes recent pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and statements from any retirement or investment accounts. If you receive income from other sources—such as pensions, unemployment, child support, or help from family members—bring records of that too. Social Security counts most types of income, though some income is excluded or only partially counted.

If you are applying based on disability, bring medical records from doctors, hospitals, or clinics that have treated you. Include records about your condition, treatments you have received, and how your condition limits your ability to work or function. If you do not have recent records, Social Security can request them directly from your doctors, though this slows down the process.

What happens after you submit your information

After you provide your information, Social Security will review it and may ask you for more details or documents. They will verify your income and resources by contacting your bank, employer, or other sources. If you are applying based on disability, a Social Security medical consultant will review your medical records to determine whether your condition meets their definition of disability.

Social Security's definition of disability is strict. You must have a medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and the condition must prevent you from doing substantial work. Having a diagnosis alone is not enough; Social Security looks at how the condition affects your ability to function in daily life and work.

The decision process typically takes three to five months. Social Security will mail you a notice telling you whether you have been approved or denied. If you are approved, the notice will say when your payments will start. If you are denied, the notice will explain why and tell you how to appeal.

What to do if Social Security denies your claim

If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to challenge the decision. You have 60 days from the date on the denial notice to file an appeal. There are four levels of appeal: reconsideration, hearing before an administrative law judge, review by the Appeals Council, and federal court.

Most people start with reconsideration, which means Social Security will look at your case again. You can submit new medical records or other information that was not part of the original decision. If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge, who will review your case in more detail and may ask you questions.

You have the right to have a representative help you at any stage of the appeal. A representative can be a lawyer, a non-lawyer advocate, or a family member. Some representatives work on a fee basis (Social Security limits the fee to 25 percent of your back pay, up to $6,000), while others work for free through legal aid organizations or disability advocacy groups.

How SSI payments work and what they cover

If you are approved for SSI, you will receive a monthly cash payment. The amount depends on your living situation and other income. In 2024, the federal payment amount is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple, though some states add money on top of the federal amount. Your actual payment will be lower if you have other income, such as wages or Social Security benefits.

SSI payments are deposited directly into your bank account. You can use the money for any purpose—rent, food, medical care, transportation, or anything else. There are no restrictions on how you spend SSI money, unlike some other assistance programs.

If your income or resources change, you must report the change to Social Security. If you start working, your SSI payment will be reduced based on how much you earn, but Social Security has work incentives that allow you to keep some of your earnings without losing all your benefits. If your resources increase above the limit, you may lose SSI. If your medical condition improves and you no longer meet the disability definition, your SSI may end.

Work incentives and other support while receiving SSI

Social Security has programs designed to help SSI recipients work without immediately losing all their benefits. The Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) allows you to set aside income and resources for a specific work goal, such as education or starting a business. Money set aside under a PASS plan does not count toward the resource limit, which can help you keep your SSI while saving for your goal.

The Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) program lets you deduct certain work-related costs from your income before Social Security calculates your SSI payment. For example, if you need a personal assistant to help you work, the cost of that assistant can be deducted.

Social Security also offers a Ticket to Work program that allows you to work with a vocational rehabilitation provider or employment network to improve your job skills and earnings. While using a ticket, you can continue receiving SSI and Medicare or Medicaid even if your earnings would normally make you ineligible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance at the same time?

No, you cannot receive both programs at the same time. However, if you are receiving SSDI and your payment is very low, you may be able to receive a small SSI payment to bring your total income up to the SSI federal rate. This is called "concurrent benefits." You must meet all SSI requirements, including the resource limit.

What counts as income for SSI purposes?

Most income counts toward the SSI limit, including wages, self-employment income, pensions, and Social Security benefits. However, some income is excluded or only partially counted. For example, the first $65 of monthly earnings plus half of remaining earnings are not counted. Certain in-kind support (such as food or shelter provided by someone else) is also counted differently. Ask Social Security which specific income sources apply to your situation.

How long does it take to hear back after I apply?

Most decisions take three to five months. If Social Security needs more medical records or information from you, it can take longer. You can call Social Security to check on the status of your application after 30 days have passed since you submitted it.

What if I am homeless or do not have a permanent address?

You can still apply for SSI without a permanent address. Provide Social Security with a mailing address where they can reach you, such as a shelter, a friend's address, or a mail service. You will need to update Social Security if your address changes so you receive your payment and any notices about your case.

Can I work while receiving SSI?

Yes, you can work and receive SSI at the same time, though your payment will be reduced based on how much you earn. Social Security has work incentives that allow you to keep more of your earnings than you would under the standard income rules. Contact Social Security's work incentives planning and assistance program to learn how working would affect your specific situation.