Supplemental Security Income is a monthly cash payment from Social Security for people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have very little income or savings

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is not the same as Social Security retirement or disability benefits. SSI is a needs-based program, which means the amount you receive depends on how much money you already have and earn. Social Security retirement and disability are based on your work history. You can receive both SSI and another Social Security benefit at the same time, but the total amount is usually reduced.

SSI pays a federal base amount each month — the exact dollar amount changes yearly and varies by state because some states add their own money on top of the federal payment. The payment goes directly to you or to someone you authorize to manage it. Unlike some other programs, SSI does not require you to have worked before, and it does not matter whether you paid into Social Security.

Key Takeaways

  • SSI is for people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have income below a set limit and savings under $2,000 (or $3,000 if you are married).
  • The monthly payment amount depends on your state, your other income, and your living situation — it is not a fixed amount for everyone.
  • You must report changes in your income, living arrangements, or resources within 10 days or you may lose benefits or owe money back.
  • SSI counts almost all income, including part-time work, gifts, and help with rent or food, but excludes some things like the first $65 of monthly earnings and certain in-kind support.

Who can receive SSI payments

You must meet at least one of three conditions: be 65 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 definition is strict — Social Security uses its own medical rules, not your doctor's opinion alone.

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 some other categories. Undocumented immigrants cannot receive SSI. You must also live in the United States (not Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or the Northern Mariana Islands).

Finally, your income and resources must be below the limits Social Security sets. For 2024, the resource limit is $2,000 if you are single and $3,000 if you are married and both receive SSI. Your home and one car do not count toward this limit, but bank accounts, stocks, and other property do.

How income and living situation affect your payment

SSI counts most money you receive as income. This includes wages from work, unemployment benefits, pensions, and money from other people. It also counts the value of food or shelter someone gives you for free — if your daughter lets you live in her house rent-free, Social Security counts that as income to you.

However, SSI excludes the first $65 of your monthly earnings from work, plus half of anything you earn above that. This is called the "earned income exclusion" and is meant to encourage work. Other exclusions exist for things like the first $20 of most unearned income per month, certain scholarships, and some home energy assistance.

Your living situation changes how much you receive. If you live in someone else's household and they buy your food or pay for your shelter, Social Security reduces your payment by one-third of the federal base amount. If you live in an institution like a nursing home or hospital, your payment is usually limited to $30 per month. If you live in your own home, you receive the full amount minus any other income you have.

What you must report to Social Security

You are required to tell Social Security about changes within 10 days. Changes include starting or stopping work, a change in how much you earn, moving to a new address, changes in your living situation, getting married or divorced, a household member moving in or out, and changes in your resources or bank accounts. You must also report if you receive a one-time payment like an inheritance or tax refund.

If you do not report a change and Social Security overpays you, you will owe the money back. This is called an overpayment. Social Security can recover it by reducing your future payments, and if you do not pay it back, the debt can follow you. Reporting on time protects you from this situation.

You can report changes by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, visiting your local Social Security office, or using your online account at ssa.gov. Some changes can be reported online through your "my Social Security" account.

How SSI interacts with other benefits

If you also receive Social Security retirement or disability benefits, SSI will pay you the difference between your other benefit and the SSI federal base amount. For example, if you receive $800 per month in retirement benefits and the federal SSI base is $943 per month (2024 amount), SSI would pay you $143. You do not receive both amounts in full.

SSI also affects other programs. If you receive SSI, you are usually automatically enrolled in Medicaid, which covers medical expenses. Some states have different Medicaid rules for SSI recipients. SSI can also affect your food assistance (SNAP) and housing programs, because those programs count SSI income when determining your benefit amount.

How to understand your SSI payment amount

Your SSI payment is calculated by taking the federal base amount for your state, subtracting any income you have, and adjusting for your living situation. Because the federal base amount changes each year and some states add their own supplement, the exact amount you receive depends on when you start receiving SSI and where you live.

Your Social Security statement shows how your payment was calculated. It lists your income, your living situation code, and the resulting payment amount. If the calculation looks wrong, ask Social Security to explain it. You can request a detailed breakdown at your local office or by phone.

If your income changes, your payment changes the following month. If you start working, your payment will likely decrease but not disappear, because of the earned income exclusion. If your income rises above the limit, your SSI stops, but you can restart it later if your income drops again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work and still receive SSI?

Yes. SSI excludes the first $65 of your monthly earnings plus half of anything above that. If you earn $200 per month, SSI counts only $67.50 as income ($200 minus $65, divided by 2). Your SSI payment reduces by that amount, but you keep working and receiving some SSI as long as your total income stays below the limit.

What happens if I receive a gift or inheritance?

A one-time gift or inheritance counts as a resource, not income. It goes toward your $2,000 resource limit. If receiving it pushes you over the limit, you become ineligible for SSI until you spend it down below $2,000. You must report it within 10 days to avoid an overpayment.

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

Only certain non-citizens can receive SSI: lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and some other categories approved by immigration law. Undocumented immigrants cannot receive SSI. Your immigration status must be verified with the Department of Homeland Security before Social Security approves your claim.

What if I disagree with my SSI payment amount?

You can request a reconsideration, which means Social Security reviews the decision again. You have 60 days from the date on the notice to request one. If you disagree after reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Both steps are free.

Does SSI continue if I move to a different state?

Yes, but your payment amount may change. Some states add money to the federal SSI base amount, and others do not. When you move, tell Social Security your new address. Your payment will adjust based on your new state's rules, usually starting the month after you move.