SSI payment amounts are set by federal law and adjusted yearly, but the exact amount you receive depends on your living situation and other income

The federal SSI payment for 2024 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple, but most states add money on top of that. The total you receive depends on where you live, whether you have a job, what other money comes in, and who you live with. SSI reduces your payment dollar-for-dollar when you earn wages, so working changes what you get paid.

The payment amount changes every January based on cost-of-living adjustments. Your state's addition (called a state supplement) also varies — some states add nothing, while others add several hundred dollars per month. To find out what you would actually receive, you need to know your state's current supplement and report your specific income and living situation to Social Security.

Key Takeaways

  • The federal SSI base payment for 2024 is $943 monthly for individuals and $1,415 for couples, but most states add a supplement that increases this amount.
  • Your actual payment is reduced by roughly half of any wages you earn, so working part-time still reduces your SSI check.
  • Living with family members or in certain housing situations can lower your payment through rules called "in-kind support and maintenance."
  • SSI payments adjust upward each January, and you must report changes in income, living situation, or household members within 10 days.

Federal base payment and state supplements

Social Security sets a federal base amount that applies everywhere. For 2024, that base is $943 per month for a single person and $1,415 for a married couple. However, 42 states and Washington, D.C. add their own money on top of the federal amount — called a state supplement. These supplements range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars per month depending on the state.

Your total monthly payment is the federal base plus your state's supplement. For example, if you live in California, the state adds $371 to the federal amount, bringing the total to $1,314 for an individual. If you live in a state with no supplement, you receive only the federal base of $943. You can find your state's current supplement amount by contacting your local Social Security office or checking the Social Security Administration website.

How wages reduce your SSI payment

If you work, SSI counts your earnings and reduces your payment. The program does not count the first $65 you earn per month, plus half of everything above that. For example, if you earn $200 per month, SSI ignores the first $65, counts half of the remaining $135 (which is $67.50), and reduces your payment by $67.50.

This means you can work part-time and still receive some SSI money. The reduction happens automatically — you do not have to choose between working and getting SSI. However, you must report your earnings to Social Security within 10 days of the end of the month in which you earned them. Failing to report wages can result in overpayments that Social Security will ask you to repay.

Income from other sources and how it affects payment

SSI counts most money coming into your household, not just wages. This includes unemployment benefits, child support, pensions, and money from family members. Social Security does not count the first $20 per month of unearned income (money that is not from work), but reduces your SSI payment dollar-for-dollar for everything above that.

Some types of income are not counted at all. These include food stamps, housing vouchers, most gifts under $20 per month, and certain education benefits. If you receive money from multiple sources, Social Security will add them together to determine your total countable income and calculate your payment. You must report any change in income within 10 days.

Living arrangements and in-kind support and maintenance

Where you live affects your SSI payment through a rule called "in-kind support and maintenance" (ISM). If someone else pays for your food or shelter, or if you live in someone else's household and they provide these things, SSI may reduce your payment by up to one-third of the federal base amount ($314.33 in 2024).

The reduction applies if you live in someone else's home and they pay for your food or a portion of the rent or mortgage. If you pay your own way — even if you live with family — there is no reduction. If you live alone and pay your own rent and food, ISM does not apply. Social Security needs to know your living situation and who pays for what, so report changes when they happen.

When payments change and how to report updates

Your SSI payment can change for several reasons: a change in income, a move to a different state, a change in living situation, marriage or divorce, or the annual cost-of-living adjustment in January. You are required to report changes within 10 days of when they happen. Changes you must report include starting or stopping work, a change in wages, moving in with or away from someone, getting married or divorced, or a household member moving in or out.

You can report changes by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, visiting your local Social Security office, or using your online account at ssa.gov. If you do not report a change, Social Security may overpay you, and you will be asked to repay the extra money. Reporting on time protects you and keeps your payments accurate.

How to find out your specific payment amount

The only way to know exactly how much you will receive is to contact Social Security with your specific information. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), visit your local Social Security office, or create an account at ssa.gov to view your payment information. Have ready your state of residence, current income from all sources, living situation, and household composition.

Social Security can give you an estimate based on your circumstances. If you are already receiving SSI, you can see your payment amount on your benefit statement, which is mailed to you each year or available through your online account. If you are considering applying, Social Security can walk you through what your payment might be based on your current situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does SSI pay the same amount in every state?

No. The federal base is the same everywhere, but 42 states add a supplement that increases the total. Some states add nothing. Your actual payment depends on where you live. Contact Social Security or your state's SSI program to find out the total for your state.

What happens to my SSI if I get a job?

Your payment is reduced by roughly half of your wages after the first $65 per month. If you earn $200 per month, your SSI drops by about $67.50. You keep some SSI money even while working, but you must report your earnings within 10 days of the end of each month.

Can I receive SSI if I live with my parents?

Yes, but your payment may be reduced if your parents pay for your food or shelter. If you pay them rent and buy your own food, there is no reduction. If they provide these things for free, SSI may reduce your payment by up to one-third of the federal base amount.

When do SSI payments go up?

Payments increase each January based on a cost-of-living adjustment set by federal law. The exact percentage varies year to year depending on inflation. Your state supplement may also change. Social Security notifies you of any change before January.

What if I did not report a change and got overpaid?

Social Security will ask you to repay the overpayment. You can request a waiver if you were not at fault and cannot afford to repay, but you must ask in writing. Report changes within 10 days to avoid overpayments in the first place.