The federal maximum SSI payment in 2024 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) maximum benefit is set by the federal government and changes each year. For 2024, a single person can receive no more than $943 per month, and a married couple living together can receive no more than $1,415 per month combined. These amounts are the federal baseline — your actual payment may be lower depending on your income, resources, and where you live.

SSI is a needs-based program, which means the amount you receive depends on how much money you already have coming in. If you work, receive other benefits, or have savings above certain limits, your SSI payment will be reduced. The program also counts income and resources differently depending on your household situation.

Some states add money on top of the federal payment. These state supplements vary widely — some states add nothing, while others add $50 to $200 or more per month. Your actual maximum benefit is the federal amount plus any state supplement you may have access to for.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2024 federal SSI maximum is $943 monthly for individuals and $1,415 for couples, but your actual payment will likely be lower if you have other income.
  • SSI payments adjust each year based on cost-of-living increases, so the maximum amount changes annually.
  • Some states provide additional payments on top of the federal maximum, ranging from nothing to over $200 per month depending on where you live.
  • Your actual benefit is calculated by subtracting your countable income from the maximum, so understanding what counts as income is essential to knowing what you will receive.

How the maximum amount changes each year

The federal SSI maximum is adjusted annually based on the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). This adjustment is tied to inflation and is announced in October for the following year. In recent years, the increase has ranged from less than 1% to over 8%, depending on inflation rates.

When COLA increases, the maximum benefit goes up, but so do the income limits that determine whether you remain may be able to access. If you receive SSI and your income stays the same in dollar terms, you are not harmed by the increase — your benefit goes up along with the limit. However, if you work and earn more money, the higher income limit does not automatically mean you keep more of your SSI payment.

What counts as income and reduces your payment

SSI counts income in specific ways. Wages from work, self-employment income, and unearned income like Social Security benefits, pensions, or unemployment all reduce your SSI payment. However, SSI does not count all income the same way.

If you work, SSI excludes the first $65 per month of earnings, plus half of what you earn above that. This is called the earned income exclusion. For example, if you earn $200 per month, SSI counts $67.50 of that income ($200 minus $65, divided by 2). Unearned income like Social Security has no exclusion — it is counted dollar for dollar.

In-kind support and maintenance — such as food or shelter provided by someone else — also reduces your payment, though the rules are complex. If someone gives you food or pays part of your rent, SSI may count this as income and lower your benefit by up to one-third of the maximum.

Resource limits that affect your may be able to access

SSI has strict resource limits, which means you cannot have more than a certain amount of money or property and still receive benefits. For 2024, the resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Resources include cash, bank accounts, stocks, and property you own — but not your home or one vehicle.

If your resources exceed the limit, you become ineligible for SSI entirely. There is no partial benefit if you are $100 over the limit. This is different from income, which reduces your payment gradually. Because of this, some people receiving SSI are careful about saving money or receiving lump-sum payments like tax refunds or settlements.

State supplements and how they work

Twenty-seven states and the District of Columbia provide state SSI supplements. These are additional monthly payments made to SSI recipients who live in that state. The amount varies significantly — some states add $10 to $20 per month, while others add $100 or more.

Some states have different supplement amounts depending on your living situation. For example, a state might pay a higher supplement if you live alone than if you live with family. A few states have their own separate SSI-like programs with different rules and payment amounts.

To find out whether your state has a supplement and how much it is, contact your local Social Security office or the Social Security Administration directly. The supplement is not automatic — you must be receiving federal SSI to get it, but you do not need to apply separately.

How your actual payment is calculated

Your SSI payment is calculated by taking the maximum benefit amount and subtracting your countable income. The formula is straightforward: Maximum Benefit minus Countable Income equals Your Payment.

If you are receiving the maximum, it means you have no countable income. If you earn money or receive other benefits, your payment goes down. For example, if the federal maximum is $943 and you have $200 in countable monthly income, your SSI payment would be $743 (before any state supplement is added).

Your payment is recalculated each month based on your reported income. If your income changes — you get a raise, lose a job, or start receiving a different benefit — you must report it to Social Security. Your payment will adjust the following month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does everyone on SSI receive the maximum benefit?

No. Most SSI recipients receive less than the maximum because they have other income. Only people with little or no other income receive the full federal maximum, plus any state supplement.

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

If you receive money that brings your resources above the limit, you become ineligible for SSI until your resources drop back below $2,000 (or $3,000 for a couple). Some people use the money quickly on allowed expenses or set aside funds in certain types of accounts that do not count as resources.

Can I work and still receive the maximum SSI benefit?

Not usually. If you work, your earnings reduce your benefit. However, SSI excludes the first $65 of monthly earnings, so you can earn some money and still receive most of your benefit. The more you earn, the less SSI you receive.

Does the maximum benefit change if I move to a different state?

The federal maximum stays the same, but if you move to a state with a supplement, your total benefit may increase. If you move from a state with a supplement to one without, your total benefit decreases. Always notify Social Security when you move.

How do I know what my actual SSI payment will be?

Contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213. They can tell you the exact amount based on your income and resources. You can also create an account on ssa.gov to view your payment amount online.