California SSI payment amounts in 2024

In California, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are set by the federal government, but California adds its own state supplement on top. The federal base amount changes each January; in 2024 it is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. California then adds a state supplement that brings those totals to $1,087.49 for an individual and $1,646.49 for a couple — among the highest state supplements in the country.

These amounts apply to people who are blind, disabled, or aged 65 and older and meet the income and resource limits. The payment you receive depends on your living situation, whether you have other income, and whether you are in a public institution or a private home. If you live in someone else's home and they pay for your food and shelter, your payment may be reduced by one-third.

The amounts listed here are the maximum payments. Your actual check may be lower if you have other income — Social Security, a job, a pension, or support from family members all count and reduce your SSI payment dollar-for-dollar above a small monthly exclusion.

Key Takeaways

  • California's SSI payment for an individual is $1,087.49 per month in 2024, which includes both the federal base and California's state supplement.
  • The payment amount changes every January when the federal cost-of-living adjustment takes effect, so the figures you see now will be different next year.
  • If you have other income — wages, Social Security, or family support — your SSI payment is reduced by the amount over $65 per month in earned income or $20 per month in unearned income.
  • Your payment may be lower if you live in someone else's home and they pay for your food or shelter, or if you are in a public institution.

How other income reduces your SSI payment

SSI is a needs-based program, which means the more money you have from other sources, the less you receive from SSI. The program allows you to earn or receive some income without losing the full payment, but the reduction is steep once you cross the threshold.

If you have earned income — money from a job — you can earn up to $65 per month without any reduction to your SSI check. After that, SSI counts $1 of every $2 you earn. So if you earn $165 per month, you lose $50 in SSI (half of the $100 over the $65 exclusion). If you earn $265 per month, you lose $100 in SSI.

If you have unearned income — Social Security, a pension, gifts, or support from family — you can receive up to $20 per month without any reduction. After that, SSI counts every dollar. So if you receive $100 per month in Social Security, your SSI payment is reduced by $80 (the $100 minus the $20 exclusion).

These exclusions reset every month, so your income is counted fresh each time you receive a payment. If you work only some months or receive irregular support, report it to Social Security so they can adjust your payment correctly.

Living situation and how it affects your payment

Where you live and who pays for your food and shelter can change your SSI amount. If you live in your own home or rent your own place and pay your own bills, you receive the full maximum payment for your state. But if someone else is paying for your food or shelter, Social Security may reduce your payment.

If you live in someone else's home and they pay for your food and shelter, your payment is reduced by one-third of the federal base amount — in 2024, that is about $314 per month. This is called the in-kind support and maintenance (ISM) reduction. You still receive your full payment if you pay your share of the food and rent, even if it is less than your fair share.

If you live in a public institution — a hospital, nursing home, or jail — your SSI payment is usually suspended while you are there. If you are in a Medicaid-funded nursing home or intermediate care facility, you may receive a small personal needs allowance instead of your full SSI payment, usually around $30 to $50 per month depending on the facility.

If you live in a private group home or supported living arrangement where the home receives payment for your care but you still control your own money, the rules are different. Report your living situation to Social Security so they can calculate your payment correctly.

When SSI payments increase and how to track changes

The federal SSI base amount increases once per year, usually in January, based on the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This means your payment goes up automatically if inflation has occurred — you do not have to do anything to receive the increase. California's state supplement may also change, though it does not always increase at the same rate as the federal amount.

You can find the current SSI payment amounts on the Social Security Administration website or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. California's Department of Social Services also publishes the state supplement amounts each year. If you receive SSI, Social Security will send you a notice in December telling you what your new payment will be starting in January.

If your payment amount changes and you believe it is wrong, contact your local Social Security office or call the number on your payment notice. Errors can happen if your income was reported incorrectly, your living situation changed, or if Social Security made a mistake in their calculation. You have the right to request a recalculation and to see the records they used to determine your payment.

Resource limits and how much you can own

To receive SSI, you must have less than $2,000 in countable resources if you are an individual, or $3,000 if you are a couple. Resources include money in the bank, stocks, bonds, and property you own — but not your home or your car (with some limits). If your resources exceed these amounts, you are not may be able to access for SSI.

Some resources do not count toward the limit. Your home and the land it sits on do not count, no matter how much they are worth. One vehicle does not count if you use it for transportation. Household goods and personal items do not count. Burial plots and burial funds up to $1,500 per person do not count. If you have a work incentive plan or a special needs trust, those may have different rules.

If you receive money — an inheritance, a settlement, a gift, or a tax refund — and it pushes you over the resource limit, you have a limited time to spend it down or move it into a resource that does not count. Report any large sums to Social Security right away so they can tell you what options you have.

California's state supplement compared to other states

California's SSI supplement is one of the highest in the country. Most states do not provide a state supplement at all — they only pay the federal base amount. A few states like California, New York, and Massachusetts add significant amounts. Other states like Illinois and Missouri add very small supplements or none at all.

If you move to another state, your SSI payment may change. Some states pay less than California, which means your monthly income would drop. Some states have different resource limits or different rules about what counts as income. Before you move, contact Social Security to find out what your payment would be in the new state.

If you are receiving SSI in California and you move out of state, Social Security will recalculate your payment based on the new state's rules. You may also lose California Medicaid coverage and have to enroll in the new state's program. Plan ahead if you are thinking about moving so you understand how it will affect your benefits and your healthcare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does SSI payment change if I turn 65?

No, the payment amount stays the same when you turn 65. You remain on SSI with the same monthly amount. However, if you also receive Social Security retirement benefits, Social Security will review your case to see if you should be on retirement benefits instead of SSI, since the rules are slightly different. Contact Social Security to make sure you are on the program that gives you the most money.

What happens to my SSI if I get married?

Your SSI payment will change because the resource limit and income rules are different for couples. The maximum payment for a couple is higher than for an individual, but your spouse's income and resources count toward the limits. You must report the marriage to Social Security within 10 days so they can recalculate your payment correctly.

Can I work and still receive SSI?

Yes. You can earn up to $65 per month without losing any SSI, and after that you lose $1 in SSI for every $2 you earn. Many people on SSI work part-time or do occasional work. Social Security has work incentive programs that allow you to keep more of your earnings without losing your Medicaid coverage. Report your work to Social Security each month so your payment is calculated correctly.

What if I receive a one-time payment like a tax refund?

A one-time payment counts as a resource and could push you over the $2,000 limit, making you ineligible for SSI that month. However, if you spend it down within a certain period or move it into a resource that does not count — like paying down a mortgage on your home — you may stay may be able to access. Report any large one-time payments to Social Security immediately so they can advise you on what to do.

Does California SSI include Medicaid?

Yes. If you receive SSI in California, you are automatically enrolled in Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program). You do not have to apply separately. Your Medi-Cal coverage continues as long as you receive SSI, even if your payment amount changes. If you move out of state or stop receiving SSI, your Medi-Cal coverage will end.