SSI is a federal cash benefit for people who are elderly, blind, or disabled and have very low income and assets

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a monthly payment from the federal government. It goes to people aged 65 or older, people who are blind, or people with disabilities — but only if their income and assets fall below set limits. SSI is not the same as Social Security retirement or disability benefits, though the Social Security Administration runs both programs.

The key word is "supplemental." SSI tops up your income to a baseline amount set by federal law. In 2024, that baseline is $943 per month for an individual living alone, though some states add extra money on top. If you have no other income, SSI pays you that amount. If you have some income from work or other sources, SSI pays the difference between what you earn and the baseline.

SSI is means-tested, which means your income and assets matter. You cannot own more than $2,000 in countable assets (or $3,000 if you are married and both receive SSI). Your home and one car do not count toward that limit, but a second vehicle, savings accounts, and investments do.

Key Takeaways

  • SSI is a monthly federal payment for people 65 or older, blind, or disabled who have income and assets below federal limits.
  • The federal baseline payment is $943 per month for an individual in 2024, though some states add supplemental payments on top.
  • You must have less than $2,000 in countable assets to receive SSI, and your home and one car are not counted.
  • SSI is separate from Social Security retirement or disability benefits, though the Social Security Administration manages both programs.
  • Some income from work is allowed — SSI does not stop completely if you earn money, but the payment reduces as your income rises.

Who can receive SSI

You must meet one of three conditions: be 65 or older, be blind, or have a disability. "Disability" under SSI means a physical or mental 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 may have access to, but you can also show that your condition prevents work even if it is not on the list.

Age 65 or older is straightforward — you do not need to prove anything beyond your birth date. Blindness means your vision is 20/200 or worse in your better eye, or your field of vision is 20 degrees or less. If you are not blind or elderly, you must show a disability that meets the Social Security definition.

Citizenship or immigration status matters. You must be a U.S. citizen, national, or may have access to noncitizen. may have access to noncitizens include lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and some other categories. Undocumented immigrants cannot receive SSI.

Income and asset limits that determine whether you may have access to

SSI has strict financial thresholds. Your countable income cannot exceed $943 per month (the federal baseline for 2024). Countable income includes wages, self-employment earnings, pensions, and most other money coming in. However, the first $65 of monthly earnings plus half of anything above that does not count — this is called the "earned income exclusion" and is designed to encourage work.

Unearned income (money that is not from work, like pensions or interest) has a smaller exclusion. The first $20 per month of unearned income does not count. After that, every dollar reduces your SSI payment by a dollar.

Your countable assets cannot exceed $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple where both receive SSI. Countable assets include bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and a second vehicle. Your primary home and one vehicle do not count, no matter their value. Household goods, personal items, and life insurance policies also do not count.

How the monthly payment is calculated

SSI starts with the federal baseline amount — $943 per month in 2024 for a single person. If you have no income, you receive that full amount. If you have income, the program subtracts it using the rules above.

For example: if you earn $200 per month from part-time work, the first $65 does not count. That leaves $135 countable. Half of $135 is $67.50. So your countable income is $67.50, and your SSI payment would be $943 minus $67.50, or $875.50.

Some states add their own supplemental payment on top of the federal amount. California, New York, and several others pay more than the federal baseline. The total you receive depends on where you live. Your local Social Security office can tell you the exact amount for your state.

How SSI differs from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Both programs are run by Social Security, but they work very differently. SSDI is based on your work history — you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes to may have access to. SSI is based on need, not work history. You can receive SSI even if you have never worked.

SSDI has no asset limit and no income limit (beyond work incentives). SSI has both. SSDI payments are usually higher because they are based on your past earnings. SSI payments are capped at the federal baseline plus any state supplement.

You can receive both SSI and SSDI at the same time in some cases, though the total cannot exceed the SSDI amount. Some people start on SSI while waiting for an SSDI decision, then switch to SSDI once approved.

What happens to SSI if you work

SSI does not stop if you work. The program is designed to let you earn money and still receive a reduced payment. The earned income exclusion ($65 plus half of earnings above that) means you can work part-time without losing all your benefits.

If you earn $200 per month, you keep most of your SSI. If you earn $2,000 per month, your SSI payment will be much lower or zero, depending on your state's baseline. The exact amount depends on the calculation above.

Social Security also has work incentive programs that let you keep more of your earnings without losing SSI. These include Plans to Achieve Self-Support (PASS), where you set aside income and assets for a work goal, and Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE), where certain costs related to your disability do not count as income. Your local Social Security office can explain which incentives apply to your situation.

How to understand SSI in relation to other benefits

SSI is separate from Medicaid, but the two are often linked. In most states, if you receive SSI, you automatically receive Medicaid. In a few states, you must request it separately. Medicaid covers medical care, prescriptions, and other health services.

SSI is also separate from food assistance (SNAP, formerly food stamps). You may be able to receive both, though your household income affects both programs. Some states have programs that help SSI recipients with housing costs or utilities.

If you receive SSI and then inherit money or receive a lump-sum payment (like a legal settlement), that money counts as an asset. If it pushes you over the $2,000 limit, your SSI stops until you spend it down. Some payments, like certain disability settlements, may be excluded under specific rules — ask Social Security before accepting any large payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get SSI if I am still working?

Yes. The earned income exclusion means your first $65 of monthly earnings plus half of anything above that does not reduce your SSI. If you earn $200 per month, only about $67.50 counts against your payment. You keep most of your SSI while you work.

What is the difference between SSI and regular Social Security?

Social Security retirement and disability benefits are based on your work history and payroll taxes. SSI is based on need and has no work requirement. You can receive SSI even if you never worked. SSI also has asset and income limits; Social Security benefits do not.

Does receiving SSI affect my ability to live with family?

Living with family does not disqualify you from SSI. However, if family members pay for your food or housing, Social Security may count part of that as income to you. The rules are complex and depend on your exact living situation. Ask your local Social Security office how your living arrangement affects your payment.

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

Only may have access to noncitizens can receive SSI. This includes lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and some other categories. Undocumented immigrants cannot receive SSI. Your immigration status must be verified with Social Security.

What happens to my SSI if I inherit money?

Inherited money counts as an asset. If it pushes you over $2,000, your SSI stops until you spend it down below the limit. Some inherited property, like a home you live in, may not count. Ask Social Security about your specific situation before accepting an inheritance.