What Supplemental Security Income Is

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a monthly cash payment from the federal government for people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have very low income and resources. The Social Security Administration (SSA) runs the program. Unlike Social Security retirement or disability benefits, which are based on your work history, SSI is a needs-based program — it looks at how much money you have right now, not how much you earned in the past.

SSI payments go directly to you each month. The amount varies by state because some states add their own money on top of the federal payment. In 2024, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple, but your actual payment depends on your income and resources and where you live.

You can receive SSI even if you have never worked. You can also receive SSI at the same time as other benefits — for example, you might get both SSI and food stamps, or SSI and housing information. The key requirement is that your income and resources stay below the limits SSA sets.

Key Takeaways

  • SSI is a monthly cash payment for people 65 or older, blind, or disabled with income and resources below SSA's limits.
  • You do not need a work history to receive SSI, unlike Social Security retirement or disability benefits.
  • Your SSI amount depends on your income, resources, and state of residence, and some states add money on top of the federal payment.
  • You must report changes in income, living situation, or resources to SSA within 10 days or you may lose your benefits.
  • SSI recipients often also receive Medicaid, which covers medical care, and SNAP (food stamps), which you can use at grocery stores.

Income and Resource Limits

SSA counts your income to decide whether you are within the SSI limit and how much your payment should be. Countable income includes wages from a job, self-employment income, rental income, and some benefits. However, SSA does not count all income the same way. For example, the first $65 of monthly wages plus half of the rest is not counted, which means you can work part-time and still receive SSI.

SSA also looks at your resources — the things you own. You can have up to $2,000 in resources if you are single, or $3,000 if you are married. Resources include cash, bank accounts, stocks, and vehicles. Your home and one vehicle do not count toward the limit. Some items, like household goods and personal items, also do not count.

If your income goes over the limit, your SSI payment goes down or stops. If your resources go over the limit, you become ineligible. This is why it matters to report changes — if you inherit money, get a raise, or move in with someone, you need to tell SSA so your payment stays correct.

Who Can Receive SSI

You can receive SSI if you are 65 or older, or if you are under 65 and blind or disabled. SSA has a specific definition of disability: a physical or mental condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You do not have to be unable to work at all — you just have to be unable to do substantial work because of your condition.

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian can receive SSI on your behalf. If you are 18 or older, you receive the payment yourself. If you are unable to manage money because of your disability, SSA can appoint a representative payee — usually a family member or social worker — to receive the payment and spend it on your needs.

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 (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and some other immigration statuses. Undocumented immigrants are not may be able to access for SSI.

How to Start Receiving SSI

You begin by contacting your local Social Security office in person, by phone, or online. You can find your local office at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. You can also start the process online at ssa.gov/benefits/ssi if you are between 16 and 65 and explore because you are disabled or blind.

When you contact SSA, you will need to provide documents that prove your age, citizenship or immigration status, income, and resources. Bring a birth certificate or passport, proof of citizenship (like a U.S. passport or naturalization papers), recent pay stubs or tax returns, bank statements, and proof of any other income or benefits you receive. If you are explore because you are disabled or blind, you will also need medical records from your doctor or hospital.

SSA will schedule you for an interview, either in person or by phone. During the interview, you will answer questions about your work history, living situation, income, and resources. The process usually takes several months. SSA will send you a letter telling you whether you are approved, denied, or need to send more information.

What Happens After You Start Receiving SSI

Once you are approved, SSA sends your payment on the same day each month — usually the first, third, or fourth Wednesday, depending on your birth date. You can receive the payment by direct deposit to a bank account, or by a debit card called a Direct Express card that works like a prepaid card.

You must report changes to SSA within 10 days. Changes that matter include a new job or raise, a decrease in income, moving to a new address, a change in living situation (like moving in with family), receiving money as a gift or inheritance, getting married or divorced, or a change in your medical condition. If you do not report a change and SSA finds out later, you may have to repay the overpayment — money you received but were not supposed to get.

SSA also reviews your case periodically to make sure you still meet the rules. If you are receiving SSI because you are disabled, SSA may ask you to have a medical exam or send in new medical records. If your condition improves and you can work, your SSI may stop, but you may be able to continue Medicaid for a while even after SSI ends.

SSI and Other Benefits

Most SSI recipients also receive Medicaid, which is health insurance that covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and other medical care. In most states, if you receive SSI, you are automatically enrolled in Medicaid. Medicaid is free — there is no premium or copay in most cases.

You may also be able to receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition information Program), which used to be called food stamps. SNAP gives you a card that you can use to buy food at grocery stores. Many SSI recipients are may be able to access for SNAP, and the amount depends on your household size and income. You explore for SNAP through your state or county, not through SSA.

Some SSI recipients also receive help paying for housing through programs like Section 8 or public housing. These programs are run by local housing authorities, not by SSA. You can ask your local housing authority whether you are on a waiting list or whether you can explore.

Work Incentives and Continuing SSI While You Work

SSA wants to encourage people to work. If you work, SSA does not count the first $65 of your monthly wages, and then does not count half of what you earn above that. This means you can earn money and still receive some SSI. For example, if you earn $200 a month, SSA counts only $67.50 of that income ($200 minus $65, divided by 2), so your SSI payment goes down by $67.50 rather than by the full $200.

There are also special work incentive programs that let you keep Medicaid even if your income goes too high for SSI. The most common is called Medicaid continuation or Medicaid buy-in. These programs vary by state, so ask SSA or your state Medicaid office what is available where you live.

If you are thinking about working, tell SSA before you start. SSA can explain how your earnings will affect your SSI and Medicaid, and can help you understand whether you will come out ahead financially.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive SSI if I own a house?

Yes. Your primary home does not count as a resource, no matter how much it is worth. You can own a house and still receive SSI as long as your other resources (bank accounts, vehicles, etc.) stay below the limit and your income stays below the limit.

What happens to my SSI if I get married?

Your SSI payment amount may change because SSA counts your spouse's income and resources along with yours. The resource limit for a married couple is $3,000 instead of $2,000. You should tell SSA about your marriage within 10 days so your payment is adjusted correctly.

Can I receive SSI while I am in prison or jail?

No. SSI stops if you are in a public institution like a prison or jail. It can restart when you are released. If you are in a private facility like a nursing home or hospital, you may still receive SSI, but the amount may be reduced.

What if SSA says I am not disabled?

You can ask SSA to reconsider the decision. You have 60 days from the date of the letter to ask for reconsideration. You can send in new medical evidence or ask for a hearing in front of a judge. Many people who are denied SSI the first time are approved after reconsideration or a hearing.

Do I have to pay taxes on my SSI?

No. SSI is not taxable income, so you do not have to report it on your tax return. However, if you have other income (like wages or interest), you may have to file a tax return for that income.