SSI Supplement is money your state adds to your federal SSI check

SSI Supplement is a payment your state government makes to you on top of your federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) check. The federal government sets a base SSI amount each month — in 2024, that is $943 for an individual — but some states decide that amount is not enough to live on. Those states add their own money to bring your total higher.

Not every state offers a supplement. Twenty-six states plus Washington D.C. currently run supplement programs. The amount varies widely: some states add $10 or $20 per month, while others add $100 or more. Your state's supplement depends on where you live when you receive SSI, not where you were born or where you used to live.

The supplement arrives as part of your regular SSI payment. You do not apply for it separately or receive it as a different check. If you move to a different state, your supplement amount changes to match your new state's rules.

Key Takeaways

  • SSI Supplement is money your state adds to your federal SSI payment each month, and the amount depends entirely on which state you live in.
  • Twenty-six states and Washington D.C. offer supplements ranging from $10 to over $100 per month, while other states offer no supplement at all.
  • Your supplement is included in your regular SSI check — you do not receive it separately or need to take any action to get it.
  • If you move to a new state, your supplement amount will change to match that state's program rules, which can increase or decrease your total payment.

Which states offer SSI Supplement and how much

The states that currently offer SSI Supplement are: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Washington D.C. also offers a supplement.

The payment amounts change each year, usually in January. California's supplement is among the highest — over $70 per month for an individual living alone — while states like Arizona and Arkansas add smaller amounts. Some states have different supplement rates depending on whether you live alone, with a spouse, or in a care facility. Your local Social Security office or your state's disability agency can tell you the exact amount for your situation.

States that do not offer SSI Supplement include Alabama, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wyoming. If you live in one of these states, you receive only the federal SSI amount.

How SSI Supplement affects your total income

Your SSI Supplement is counted as income by other programs. If you receive Medicaid, food assistance, or housing vouchers, the supplement will be included in your income calculation. This can affect whether you stay within income limits for those programs or how much you receive from them.

For example, if your state's supplement pushes your total SSI payment above your state's Medicaid income limit, you might lose Medicaid coverage even though the supplement is small. Before you move to a state with a higher supplement, check with your state Medicaid office and your housing authority to understand how the change will affect your other benefits.

What happens to your supplement if you move states

When you move to a new state, your SSI Supplement changes immediately to that state's rate. If you move to a state with a higher supplement, your payment increases. If you move to a state with a lower supplement or no supplement, your payment decreases. Social Security will update your payment automatically once your address changes in their system.

You do not need to do anything to trigger the change. However, you must report your move to Social Security within 10 days. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office in person. Bring proof of your new address, such as a lease, utility bill, or mail from a government agency.

If you are moving and your supplement will decrease significantly, plan ahead. Contact your landlord, food bank, or other service providers to understand how the lower payment will affect your budget. Some states have emergency assistance programs that can help bridge the gap during a move.

SSI Supplement and living arrangements

Some states pay different supplement amounts depending on where you live. If you live alone in your own apartment, you receive the full individual supplement. If you live with a spouse who also receives SSI, you may each receive a reduced supplement, or you may receive a couple's rate. If you live in a care facility, group home, or nursing home, your supplement may be lower or eliminated entirely.

Your living situation can also affect whether you receive a supplement at all. Some states only pay supplement to people living independently, not to those in institutions. If you are considering a move to a group home or care facility, ask your state disability agency how it will change your supplement before you make the move.

How to find out your state's SSI Supplement amount

The fastest way to learn your state's supplement is to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Have your Social Security number ready. They can tell you the exact amount your state pays and whether your living situation affects the rate.

You can also contact your state's disability agency directly. Each state has a different name for this office — it might be called the Department of Social Services, Department of Human Services, or Division of Disability Services. A quick internet search for "[your state] SSI Supplement" will usually find the right office and phone number.

If you receive SSI, your Social Security statement should show your supplement amount on your monthly payment stub. If you do not see it listed, contact Social Security to confirm whether your state offers a supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to do anything to receive my state's SSI Supplement?

No. If you receive SSI and live in a state that offers a supplement, the payment is added to your check automatically. You do not need to apply for it or take any action. The supplement is included in your regular SSI payment each month.

What if I move to a state with no SSI Supplement?

Your total monthly payment will decrease to the federal SSI amount only. Social Security updates your payment once your address changes in their system. Report your move within 10 days by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local office.

Can my SSI Supplement be taken away or reduced?

Your supplement can change if your state changes its program rules, which happens rarely. It will also change if you move to a different state or if your living situation changes — for example, if you move into a care facility. Social Security will notify you of any changes before they take effect.

Does SSI Supplement count as income for other programs?

Yes. Your supplement is included in your total income for Medicaid, food assistance, housing vouchers, and other means-tested programs. Before moving to a state with a higher supplement, contact those programs to understand how the change will affect your coverage or payment amounts.

How often does my state's SSI Supplement amount change?

Most states adjust their supplement amounts once per year, usually in January, to account for inflation. Some states tie their supplement to the federal cost-of-living adjustment. Contact your state disability agency or Social Security to learn when your state makes adjustments.