SSI is a monthly cash payment from Social Security, not a loan or insurance benefit

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal cash payment you receive once a month if you are aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have very low income and resources. The Social Security Administration (SSA) sends the money directly to your bank account or a prepaid card. You do not repay it. The amount varies by state and your living situation, but the federal base payment in 2024 is $943 per month for an individual living independently.

SSI is separate from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is based on work history. SSI is a needs-based program — it exists because your income and savings are too low to live on, not because you paid into Social Security through work. If you have never worked or did not work long enough to may have access to for SSDI, SSI may still be available to you.

The money goes to you, not to a provider or landlord, though some states allow SSA to send payments to a representative payee if you cannot manage money yourself. You can spend it on anything: rent, food, utilities, medical costs, transportation, or other living expenses.

Key Takeaways

  • SSI pays between $943 and $1,415 per month depending on your state and whether you live alone, with family, or in a facility, as of 2024.
  • You must have less than $2,000 in countable resources (savings, investments) as an individual, and your monthly income must fall below the SSI limit for your state.
  • The SSA counts some income and ignores other income — for example, the first $65 of monthly earnings plus half of anything above that is not counted.
  • Once approved, you receive payments every month for as long as you remain disabled, blind, or aged 65 or older and stay under the resource and income limits.
  • You must report changes in income, living situation, or resources within 10 days, or you may lose benefits or owe money back.

How much SSI pays and what affects the amount

The federal base rate for SSI in 2024 is $943 per month for a single person. However, your actual payment depends on your state and your living arrangement. Some states add their own money on top of the federal amount — for example, California adds $70.10, bringing the total to $1,013.10. Other states do not add anything. You can find your state's rate on the SSA website or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Your payment also changes based on where you live. If you live in your own home or rent an apartment, you get the full amount. If you live with family members who pay for your food or housing, SSA reduces your payment by up to one-third. If you live in a group home, nursing facility, or other institution, the payment is lower still. If someone else pays for your food and shelter completely, your payment drops to $30.33 per month (the federal minimum).

Your countable income reduces your SSI payment dollar for dollar. If you earn $100 in wages, your SSI payment drops by $65 (because the first $65 is not counted). If you receive $200 in child support, your payment drops by $200. Unearned income like Social Security, pensions, or gifts is counted in full, though SSA ignores the first $20 of unearned income per month.

What income and resources you can have and still receive SSI

SSI has strict limits on how much money you can own. Your countable resources cannot exceed $2,000 as an individual or $3,000 as a couple. Resources include savings accounts, checking accounts, stocks, bonds, and cash on hand. They do not include your home (if you live in it), one vehicle, household goods, personal items, or life insurance with a face value under $1,500.

Income limits are different from resource limits. There is no single income ceiling — instead, SSA counts your income and reduces your payment accordingly. If your countable monthly income is $943 or less, you receive the full federal payment (before state additions). If your countable income is $1,000, your payment drops to $943 minus $57, or $886. The calculation changes each year when the federal rate increases.

Some income does not count at all. The first $65 of monthly earnings is excluded, plus half of anything you earn above that. The first $20 of any unearned income per month is excluded. Certain in-kind support (food or shelter someone gives you) is not counted as income. Student income, certain scholarships, and some work incentives for people with disabilities also have exclusions. The SSA publishes a detailed list of what counts and what does not.

How SSI payments work month to month

Once you are approved for SSI, the SSA deposits your payment on the same day each month — usually the first, third, or fourth Wednesday, depending on your birth date. You receive the money in your bank account or on a prepaid debit card. There is no waiting period between approval and your first payment; you receive back pay for the months between when you first became disabled or aged 65 and when you were approved.

Your payment continues as long as you meet the three conditions: you are disabled, blind, or aged 65 or older; your income stays below the limit; and your resources stay below $2,000. You do not have to reapply every year, but you must report changes. If you start working, get a raise, receive an inheritance, move in with someone who pays for your food, or any other change happens, you must tell SSA within 10 days. Failing to report can result in an overpayment you will have to repay.

The SSA reviews your case periodically to confirm you still meet the rules. For people whose condition is expected to improve, they may schedule a medical review every one to three years. For people whose condition is not expected to improve, reviews are less frequent. If your condition improves and you no longer meet the disability standard, your benefits stop, though you may have a grace period to look for work.

What happens if your income or resources change

If you start earning wages, your SSI payment does not stop — it decreases. The first $65 of your monthly earnings is not counted, and you do not count half of anything above that. If you earn $200 per month, only $67.50 counts as income ($200 minus $65, divided by two, plus the $65 excluded). Your SSI payment drops by $67.50. If you earn $1,000 per month, $467.50 counts, and your payment drops by that amount.

If you receive a lump sum — an inheritance, a tax refund, a settlement — it counts as a resource. If it pushes your total resources over $2,000, you become ineligible for SSI that month. However, you can spend it down or transfer it to a plan to achieve self-support (PASS), which is a work incentive that lets you set aside money for a job goal without losing benefits. You must report the lump sum within 10 days.

If your living situation changes — for example, you move out of your parents' house into your own apartment — your payment may increase because the one-third reduction no longer applies. If you move in with someone who pays for your food, your payment decreases. You must report these changes within 10 days so SSA can adjust your payment correctly starting the next month.

SSI and other programs you might receive at the same time

You can receive SSI and Medicaid at the same time. In fact, in most states, approval for SSI automatically qualifies you for Medicaid. Medicaid covers medical care, prescriptions, and long-term care. The two programs work together — SSI provides cash, Medicaid provides health coverage.

You can receive SSI and SNAP (food assistance) at the same time. SNAP is a separate program with its own income and resource limits, but many people who may have access to for SSI also may have access to for SNAP. You apply for SNAP through your state's human services department, not through Social Security.

You cannot receive SSI and SSDI at the same time. However, if you are approved for SSDI based on your work record, you may be able to receive SSI for any months before your SSDI payments start, or if your SSDI payment is very low. The SSA coordinates these two programs automatically.

Work incentives and how they affect your SSI

SSA has programs designed to let you work without immediately losing all your benefits. The most common is the Student Earned Income Exclusion, which excludes up to $8,230 of monthly earnings (in 2024) if you are under 22 and a student. Another is Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE), which lets you deduct costs directly related to working — for example, a wheelchair repair, transportation to a job, or medication you need to work — before income is counted.

A Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) lets you set aside income and resources for a specific work goal — such as training, education, or starting a business — without those amounts counting against your SSI limits. You must have a written plan approved by SSA. For example, you could earn $1,500 per month, set aside $1,000 for vocational training, and have only $500 count as income.

The Ticket to Work program lets you work without a time limit while keeping your benefits and Medicaid. Once you use your ticket, you have a grace period where your benefits continue even if your earnings would normally make you ineligible. This program is voluntary and designed for people who want to test whether they can work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get SSI if I am not a U.S. citizen?

It depends on your immigration status. U.S. citizens and certain may have access to immigrants can receive SSI. may have access to immigrants include lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and some other categories. Undocumented immigrants cannot receive SSI. You will need to provide proof of citizenship or immigration status when you apply.

What happens if I inherit money or receive a large gift?

A lump sum counts as a resource. If it pushes your total resources over $2,000, you become ineligible for SSI that month. However, you can spend it down, or you can set up a PASS plan to set aside money for a work goal. You must report the money within 10 days to avoid an overpayment.

Do I have to report if I get married?

Yes. Marriage changes your resource limit (it increases to $3,000 for a couple) and may affect your payment if your spouse has income. You must report the marriage within 10 days. If your spouse works or receives benefits, SSA will count some of their income toward your SSI limit.

What if I move to a different state?

Your SSI payment may change because some states add money on top of the federal rate and others do not. You remain may be able to access for SSI, but the amount you receive may be higher or lower. You do not need to reapply; SSA handles the change automatically once you report your new address.

Can SSI be garnished or taken to pay debts?

SSI is protected from most creditors and cannot be garnished for credit card debt, medical bills, or personal loans. However, it can be offset for unpaid taxes, child support, or overpayments you owe to Social Security itself. The SSA will notify you if an offset occurs.