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

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program sets a federal payment limit each year. For 2024, a single person cannot receive more than $943 per month, and a married couple living together cannot receive more than $1,415 combined. These amounts increase each January based on the cost of living adjustment (COLA), so the 2025 figures will be higher than 2024.

Your actual payment will likely be less than the maximum. SSI reduces your payment dollar-for-dollar based on other income you have — wages, pensions, Social Security benefits, or money from family members. It also counts certain resources (savings, property) against you if you own more than the program allows. The maximum is what you could receive if you had no other income and met all other requirements.

Some states add their own money on top of the federal payment. If you live in California, New York, or one of a handful of other states, you may receive more than the federal maximum. The state supplement varies by state and by living situation (whether you live alone, with family, or in a care facility).

Key Takeaways

  • The federal SSI maximum for 2024 is $943 monthly for one person and $1,415 for a couple, with amounts rising each January.
  • Your actual payment will be lower if you have other income, such as wages or Social Security benefits, because SSI counts that dollar-for-dollar against your payment.
  • Some states provide additional SSI payments on top of the federal amount, so your total may exceed the federal maximum depending on where you live.
  • SSI also limits how much money and property you can own; exceeding those resource limits can reduce or stop your payment.

How SSI calculates your actual payment

SSI starts with the federal maximum for your situation — $943 if you are single, $1,415 if you are married and both receive SSI. Then it subtracts any income you have. Income includes wages from work, Social Security retirement or disability payments, pensions, unemployment benefits, and money given to you by family members or friends (though the first $20 per month of unearned income and the first $65 per month of earned income are not counted).

If you earn $500 per month at a job, SSI subtracts $500 from your federal maximum. If you also receive a Social Security retirement payment of $300 per month, SSI subtracts that too. The program counts almost all money coming in, with only a few narrow exceptions. The result is your SSI payment for that month.

SSI also looks at resources — money in the bank, property you own, vehicles, and other assets. For 2024, a single person can own up to $2,000 in countable resources, and a couple can own up to $3,000. If you exceed these limits, you become ineligible for SSI entirely. Some things do not count as resources, such as your primary home, one vehicle, and certain personal items, but the rules are specific and worth reviewing with a Social Security representative.

State supplements and how they work

The federal government sets the SSI maximum, but 10 states and Washington, D.C. add their own money. California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, and Washington, D.C. all provide state supplements. The amount varies by state and by your living situation.

In California, for example, the state supplement for a single person living independently is $70.10 per month in 2024, added on top of the federal $943. If you live in a care facility or with family, the state supplement may be different. New York's supplement is higher in some cases. You do not apply separately for the state supplement — Social Security handles it automatically if you live in a state that offers one.

If you move to a state with a supplement from a state without one, your payment will increase. If you move the other direction, your payment will decrease. This matters if you are considering relocating, because your total monthly income will change.

When your payment changes during the year

Your SSI payment can change month to month if your income or resources change. If you start a job, your payment drops. If you stop working, your payment rises. If you receive a one-time gift of money, it may push you over the resource limit temporarily and stop your payment that month, but once you spend it back down, you become may be able to access again the next month.

The federal maximum itself increases once per year, in January, based on the cost of living adjustment. In January 2024, the maximum rose from $914 to $943 for individuals. This automatic increase applies to everyone on SSI, regardless of income or resources. Your state supplement, if you receive one, may also increase in January.

You must report changes in income or resources to Social Security within 10 days. If you do not report and your payment is higher than it should have been, you will owe the overpayment back. Social Security can recover it by reducing future payments or asking you to repay it directly.

How SSI differs from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSI and SSDI are separate programs with different payment structures. SSDI has no maximum payment amount — your benefit is based on your work history and earnings record. SSI has the federal maximum of $943 per month (or $1,415 for couples). SSDI does not count income against your payment in the same way SSI does; you can earn money and still receive your full SSDI benefit, with some limits. SSI reduces your payment dollar-for-dollar based on income.

SSDI also has no resource limit — you can own as much money and property as you want. SSI limits you to $2,000 in countable resources as a single person. Some people receive both programs at once, which is called "concurrent benefits." When that happens, your SSI payment is reduced to account for your SSDI payment, but you still receive both.

Understanding the income exclusions that protect work earnings

SSI has built-in exclusions that allow you to earn some money without losing your entire payment. The first $65 per month of earned income (wages from work) does not count. After that, SSI counts only half of your remaining earnings. This is called the "earned income exclusion" and it is designed to encourage people to work.

If you earn $200 per month, SSI counts only $67.50 of it: the first $65 is excluded, and half of the remaining $135 is counted. Your payment is reduced by $67.50, not by the full $200. This exclusion applies only to wages from work, not to other income like gifts or benefits.

There is also a $20 per month exclusion for unearned income — money that is not from work, such as gifts or interest. The first $20 of unearned income each month does not count. These exclusions reset each month, so you get the full benefit of them every January through December.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does SSI payment increase automatically each year?

Yes. In January, the federal maximum increases based on the cost of living adjustment (COLA). The 2024 maximum of $943 for individuals rose from $914 in 2023. Your actual payment increases by the same percentage, even if you have no other income. State supplements may also increase in January.

Can I receive the full SSI maximum if I have a job?

No. SSI counts your wages against your payment. If you earn enough, your payment will be reduced to zero. However, the first $65 per month of earnings is excluded, and SSI counts only half of earnings above that, so you can work part-time and still receive some SSI payment.

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

A one-time gift or inheritance counts as a resource. If it pushes you over $2,000 (for a single person), you become ineligible for SSI that month. Once you spend the money back down below $2,000, you become may be able to access again the next month. You should report the gift to Social Security within 10 days.

Do I get the state supplement automatically if I move to a state that offers one?

Yes. If you move to California, New York, or another state with a supplement, Social Security will add it to your payment automatically once your address changes in their system. You do not need to apply separately. Notify Social Security of your move as soon as possible.

Can my SSI payment be garnished or taken by creditors?

SSI payments are protected from most creditors and cannot be garnished for credit card debt or medical bills. However, the federal government can offset SSI payments to collect unpaid taxes or student loans, and some state agencies can offset for child support or state debt. Notify Social Security if you believe an offset is incorrect.