You can apply for SSI after 65, but the process and your chances depend on whether you also have Social Security retirement benefits

If you are over 65 and have never worked enough to earn Social Security retirement benefits, you can apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) based on age alone. If you already receive retirement benefits, you cannot get SSI — the two programs do not overlap. The application itself is the same whether you are 35 or 75: you go to your local Social Security office, call 1-800-772-1213, or apply online at ssa.gov. What changes after 65 is that Social Security will look at your age instead of your medical condition to determine if you meet the basic requirement.

The real barrier for people over 65 is usually not age but resources. SSI has a strict limit on how much money and property you can own — currently $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. If you own a house, a car, or have savings above that threshold, you will not receive SSI, even if your monthly income is very low. This is the single most common reason applications are denied for older adults.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have less than $2,000 in countable resources (savings, investments, property other than your home and one car) to receive SSI at any age, including over 65.
  • If you already receive Social Security retirement benefits, you cannot receive SSI; the programs are mutually exclusive.
  • You can apply in person at your local Social Security office, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or online at ssa.gov/benefits/ssi.
  • Social Security will ask for proof of age, citizenship or legal residency, income, and resources; bring documents like your birth certificate, lease or mortgage, and bank statements.
  • Processing typically takes two to three months, and you will receive written notice of approval or denial in the mail.

What documents you need to bring or submit

Social Security requires specific documents to process your application. Bring or upload proof of your age (birth certificate, passport, or driver's license), proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, naturalization papers, or green card), and proof of your current address (lease, mortgage statement, utility bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You will also need to list all income sources — including pensions, annuities, part-time work, or money from family members — and provide bank statements or account summaries showing your total resources.

If you own property, Social Security will ask about it. Your primary home and one vehicle do not count toward the $2,000 resource limit, but a second car, rental property, or investment accounts do. Bring documentation of what you own: property deeds, vehicle titles, or investment statements. If you receive help from family members or live with someone who pays your bills, Social Security will ask questions about that arrangement, because it can affect your payment amount.

How the resource limit works and what it means for your application

The $2,000 resource limit is the hardest rule in SSI. It includes cash, savings accounts, stocks, bonds, and most other property — but it does not include your primary residence, one vehicle, household goods, or personal effects. If you have $2,001 in a savings account, you are over the limit and ineligible, even if your monthly income is $300. This rule has not changed since 1989 and does not adjust for inflation, which is why it blocks many older adults from receiving help.

Some resources are excluded or treated differently. Life insurance policies, retirement accounts like IRAs (up to a certain value), and property you are actively trying to sell can sometimes be excluded. If you receive a one-time payment — an inheritance, a tax refund, or a settlement — Social Security counts it as a resource immediately. You have a limited window to spend it down or move it into an excluded category before it affects your SSI. Ask Social Security about your specific situation before you receive a lump sum, because the rules are detailed and mistakes can cost you months of benefits.

Income limits and how much SSI pays

SSI has an income limit, but it is higher than the resource limit and usually less of a barrier. In 2024, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual living independently. If you have other income — from a part-time job, a pension, or help from family — SSI reduces your payment dollar-for-dollar above a small threshold. The first $65 of earned income and the first $20 of any other income per month are not counted, but everything above that reduces your SSI check.

Some states add money to the federal SSI payment. California, New York, and several others pay more than the federal minimum. If you live in one of these states, your SSI payment will be higher, but you will also face stricter resource or income rules set by that state. Check with your local Social Security office or the SSI program in your state to learn the exact amount you would receive and whether state-specific rules apply to you.

The difference between applying in person, by phone, or online

You have three ways to start your SSI application. Online at ssa.gov/benefits/ssi is fastest if you are comfortable with computers; you can fill out the form at your own pace and upload documents. You will still need to go to a Social Security office later to verify your identity and sign final paperwork, but you can get your free guide without leaving home. By phone at 1-800-772-1213, you can speak to someone who will walk you through the questions and tell you what documents to mail in. This works well if you have questions or need help understanding what Social Security is asking for.

In person at your local Social Security office is the slowest route but sometimes the clearest. You bring your documents, sit with an employee, and they tell you on the spot what is missing or what questions they have. You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Call ahead if you can; many offices now require appointments. Processing time is roughly the same no matter which route you choose — two to three months on average — but starting online or by phone can save you a trip if your application is straightforward.

What happens after you submit your application

After you submit your application, Social Security sends you a notice saying they received it and telling you what happens next. They will contact you if they need more information — usually about your resources, income, or living situation. Respond quickly; if you miss a deadline or do not return documents, Social Security can close your case. You can check the status of your application online at ssa.gov/myaccount if you have created an account, or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Social Security will mail you a written decision within two to three months. If you are approved, your first payment arrives the following month. If you are denied, the letter will explain why — usually because your resources are too high, you have too much income, or you do not meet the age or residency requirement. You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to request reconsideration, which means Social Security will review your case again. If you disagree with reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge, which takes longer but gives you a chance to present your case in person or by phone.

Special situations: living with others, receiving help, or owning property

If you live with family members or someone else pays part of your expenses, Social Security counts some of that help as income. This is called in-kind support and maintenance (ISM). If your son pays your rent, Social Security may reduce your SSI payment by one-third of the federal rate. If someone buys you food, the rule is the same. There are exceptions — help with medical care, help with education, and certain gifts do not count — but you need to tell Social Security about any arrangement where someone else is paying for your housing or food.

If you own your home, it does not count as a resource, but property taxes, mortgage payments, and utilities do count as expenses that Social Security considers when calculating your need. If you own a second property or land, that counts toward your resource limit. If you are trying to sell property to get under the resource limit, tell Social Security; they may exclude it temporarily while you are actively marketing it. The rules here are specific to your situation, so ask Social Security directly rather than guessing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get SSI if I already get Social Security retirement?

No. If you receive Social Security retirement benefits, you are not may be able to access for SSI, even if your retirement payment is very small. The two programs do not work together. If you have not worked enough to earn retirement benefits, SSI based on age is your option.

What if I have a house — does that disqualify me?

No. Your primary home does not count toward the $2,000 resource limit. However, if you own a second home, rental property, or land, that does count. Social Security will ask you to describe all property you own and may ask for a deed or tax assessment to verify.

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

Processing usually takes two to three months from the date you submit your complete application. If Social Security needs more documents or information from you, the timeline extends. You can check your application status online at ssa.gov/myaccount or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

What if my family gives me money — does that count as income?

Money given to you as a gift does not count as income for SSI purposes. However, if family members are paying your rent or food costs directly, Social Security counts that as in-kind support and reduces your payment. Tell Social Security about any arrangement where someone else is paying your living expenses.

Can I work part-time and still get SSI?

Yes. SSI allows you to earn money, but your payment is reduced. The first $65 of earned income per month is not counted, and then SSI reduces your payment by 50 cents for every dollar you earn above that. If you earn $200 per month, SSI counts $135 of it and reduces your payment accordingly.