SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income

SSI is a federal cash payment program run by the Social Security Administration. It provides monthly money to people who are aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have very low income and few assets. The word "supplemental" means it tops up other income you may have — it is not meant to be your only money source, though for many people it is.

SSI is separate from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), even though both are administered by the same agency. The key difference: SSI is based on financial need and age or disability status. SSDI is based on your work history and the taxes you paid into Social Security while working. You can receive both at the same time, but they are two distinct programs with different rules.

Key Takeaways

  • SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income and provides monthly cash to people 65 and older, blind, or disabled with very low income and assets.
  • The program is federal but administered through your state's Social Security office, and payment amounts vary by state because some states add their own money on top of the federal amount.
  • To receive SSI, your countable income must be below a set limit (the federal amount is $943 per month for an individual in 2024, though this changes yearly) and your resources must be under $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple.
  • SSI recipients automatically receive Medicaid in most states, which covers medical care, prescriptions, and some long-term care costs.
  • You must report changes in income, living situation, or household members within 10 days, or you may lose benefits or owe money back.

Who can receive SSI payments

You must meet one of three conditions: be 65 years old or older, be blind, or be disabled. "Disabled" under SSI means you have a medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration has a specific list of conditions that automatically meet this standard, but you can also show that your condition prevents work even if it is not on the list.

If you are under 18, you can receive SSI based on disability if you have a severe medical condition that substantially limits your ability to function. The rules for children are different from the rules for adults — the agency looks at whether you can do age-appropriate activities, not whether you can work.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to non-citizen. may have access to non-citizens include lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and certain other immigration statuses. Undocumented immigrants cannot receive SSI. Your immigration status is verified through the Department of Homeland Security.

Income and resource limits that determine SSI payments

SSI has strict financial limits. Your countable income — the money the Social Security Administration counts toward the limit — must be below the federal benefit rate. In 2024, the federal rate is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple, but these amounts increase each January. Not all income counts: the first $65 of earned income per month is not counted, and the next $50 of earned income is only half-counted. Some income does not count at all, such as the first $20 of most unearned income per month.

Your resources — money in the bank, vehicles, property — must stay under $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. Your home does not count toward this limit, and one vehicle does not count if it is used for transportation. Everything else counts: savings accounts, checking accounts, stocks, bonds, and second vehicles. If your resources exceed the limit, you are not may be able to access for SSI that month.

If you receive other benefits — such as unemployment, workers' compensation, or pension payments — those reduce your SSI payment dollar for dollar. If your other income is high enough, you receive no SSI that month. This is why SSI is called "supplemental" — it fills the gap between your other income and the federal benefit rate.

How SSI payments work and when you receive money

SSI payments are made monthly, usually on the first, third, fourth, or fifth of the month depending on your birth date. You receive the money by direct deposit to a bank account or through a prepaid debit card issued by the Social Security Administration. You cannot receive SSI payments by check or in person at an office.

The amount you receive each month depends on your state. The federal government sets a base amount, but 10 states add their own money on top of it — these are called "state supplements." If you live in one of these states, your payment is higher than the federal amount. If you move to a different state, your payment amount may change. The Social Security Administration will tell you the exact amount you will receive before your first payment.

Your payment can be reduced or stopped if you do not report changes in your situation. You must tell the Social Security Administration within 10 days if your income changes, you move, someone moves in or out of your home, your marital status changes, or you are no longer disabled. Failure to report can result in an overpayment — money you have to pay back.

Medicaid coverage that comes with SSI

In most states, receiving SSI automatically means you are enrolled in Medicaid. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, mental health care, and some long-term care services. You do not have to apply separately for Medicaid in these states — it is automatic when your SSI is approved.

In a few states, you must apply for Medicaid separately even though you receive SSI. These states are Connecticut, Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, and Virginia. In these states, SSI approval does not automatically enroll you in Medicaid, so you need to contact your state Medicaid office to apply. Losing SSI in these states does not automatically end Medicaid, because Medicaid has its own income limits that may be higher than SSI limits.

How SSI differs from SSDI and other Social Security programs

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your work history, not financial need. To receive SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years. Your family members can also receive SSDI based on your work record. SSI has no work requirement — it is purely need-based. You can receive both SSI and SSDI at the same time if you meet the rules for both.

Regular Social Security retirement benefits are also different from SSI. Retirement benefits are based on your age and work history. You can receive retirement benefits even if you have substantial income and resources. SSI is only for people with very low income and assets, regardless of work history.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) is a separate program that provides money for food. SSI recipients often also receive SNAP, but the programs are run by different agencies and have different rules. Receiving SSI does not automatically enroll you in SNAP — you must apply separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does SSI give you money for housing?

SSI provides a cash payment, not housing-specific money. You can use your SSI payment for rent, utilities, food, or any other expense. If someone else pays for your food or housing, the Social Security Administration counts part of that as income and reduces your SSI payment. This is called "in-kind support and maintenance."

Can you work and still receive SSI?

Yes. The first $65 of earned income per month does not count, and half of income above that does not count either. So you can earn up to roughly $1,900 per month and still receive some SSI, depending on your state and other income. If you earn more, your SSI payment is reduced or stops. You must report all work income to the Social Security Administration.

What happens to SSI if you get married?

Your SSI payment amount changes because the resource limit and income limit for a couple are higher than for an individual. The federal benefit rate for a couple is $1,415 per month compared to $943 for an individual. You must report your marriage to the Social Security Administration within 10 days. Your spouse's income and resources are counted toward your limits.

Can you receive SSI if you own a home?

Yes. Your home does not count as a resource for SSI purposes, no matter how much it is worth. You can own a home and still receive SSI as long as your other resources (bank accounts, vehicles, etc.) stay under the limit and your income is low enough. You must still pay property taxes and maintenance from your SSI payment or other money.

What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?

SSI is need-based and requires low income and resources. SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes paid. You can have high income and resources and still receive SSDI. You can receive both programs at the same time if you meet the rules for each. SSDI payments are usually higher than SSI payments.