Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Who May Qualify
SSI provides monthly payments to people with very limited income and resources who are 65 or older, blind or disabled. Learn how it differs from Social Security and how to apply.
The short version
- SSI is a needs-based program for people 65 and older, blind or disabled with limited income and resources.
- The 2026 maximum federal SSI payment is $994 per month for an individual and $1,491 for a couple.
- People who qualify for SSI often qualify for Medicaid and SNAP too.
In this guide
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly payments to people who have very limited income and resources and who are age 65 or older, blind or disabled. It is administered by the Social Security Administration but is different from Social Security retirement benefits.
How SSI differs from Social Security
- Social Security retirement benefits are based on your work history and the taxes you paid.
- SSI is based on financial need. You do not need a work history to qualify. It is funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes.
Some people receive both. If your Social Security benefit is low, you may qualify for SSI to supplement it.
Who may qualify
To qualify for SSI based on age, you generally must:
- Be 65 or older (or blind or disabled at any age)
- Have limited income
- Have limited resources
- Be a U.S. citizen or meet certain requirements for noncitizens
- Live in the United States or Northern Mariana Islands
Payment amounts
For 2026, the maximum federal SSI payment is $994 per month for an individual and $1,491 per month for an eligible couple. Many states add a supplement to this amount.
Your actual payment may be lower depending on your other income. Social Security excludes some income when calculating SSI, such as the first $20 of most income each month and a portion of earnings from work.
Resource limits
Resources are things you own that could be converted to cash. The SSI resource limit is generally $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple.
Many things do not count toward the limit, including:
- The home you live in and the land it is on
- One vehicle, in most cases
- Household goods and personal belongings
- Burial plots and, up to a certain amount, burial funds
- Life insurance policies with a combined face value of $1,500 or less
Living arrangements matter
Your SSI payment can be affected if someone else provides your food or shelter, or if you live in someone else's household without paying your share of expenses. Report your living arrangements accurately.
Related benefits
In most states, people who qualify for SSI also qualify for Medicaid. SSI recipients also automatically qualify for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs, and many qualify for SNAP food assistance.
How to apply
You can start an SSI application by:
- Calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
- Visiting your local Social Security office
- Starting online at ssa.gov (availability depends on your situation)
Have documents ready, such as proof of age, citizenship or immigration status, income, resources and living arrangements.
Reporting changes
SSI recipients must report changes in income, resources, living arrangements and other circumstances, generally by the 10th of the month after the change. Reporting promptly helps avoid overpayments.
Get help applying
Local legal aid organizations, Area Agencies on Aging and benefits counselors can help you apply at no cost. Find your local agency through the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.
Terrameritavi is an independent publication and is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration. Payment amounts and limits change; check ssa.gov for current figures.
