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Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is a federal financial assistance program that provides monthly payments to those who meet certain criteria and are enrolled. The program is funded by the U.S. Treasury’s general fund and administered by the Social Security Administration. It is designed to help recipients pay for basic necessities.
Who qualifies for SSI and how do you apply? We answer these questions and more below. Qualifications are specific and we explain them for you.
For more information, read how to apply for Social Security benefits and what to do if your Social Security check is missing.
Who is eligible for additional social security income?
To receive SSI, certain requirements must be met, although it generally applies to those earning less than $1,971 per month. Below are the eligibility criteria for those who can receive benefits.
- People who are at least 65 years old, or who have a visual impairment or disability.
- People with low incomes, including wages and pensions.
- People with limited resources.
- US citizens, US nationals, and some non-citizens.
- People living in any of the 50 states, Washington DC, or the Northern Mariana Islands.
- Children of a military parent permanently serving outside the U.S.
- Certain students who are temporarily staying abroad.
More information about SSI for children.
How much can you get from SSI?
The maximum monthly SSI payment for 2024 is $943 for an individual and $1,415 for a couplealthough several factors, including how much money you earn and what state you live in, can affect how much you receive.
Several states offer additional paymentswhich increases the total monthly benefit amount for SSI recipients. Your income, living situation, and other factors play a role in how much more your state will pay, if any. Supplemental income from the state does not affect your SSI payment (more on that below).
How Your Income Affects Your SSI Payment
For every $2 you earn from work or an activity that earns you money, your SSI benefit is reduced by $1. For every $1 you receive from non-work-related sources (disability, unemployment, pensions), $1 is reduced from your SSI benefit.
Other factors that can reduce the monthly SSI benefit include:
- If you live with your partner, that person’s income may reduce your payment.
- Children receiving SSI may receive lower benefits based on their own income or that of their parents.
- If you are a sponsored non-citizen, your sponsor’s income and resources may be counted as income.
What does not affect your SSI benefits?
Below you can read what is not included when it comes to your income and resources.
Income not included for SSI:
- Supplemental SSI payments from the state
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (food stamps)
- Housing vouchers section 8
- Rent reductions or property tax refunds
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- The first $20 of your monthly income
- The first $65 of your monthly employment income and half of the amount above $65
- Certain expenses for people with blindness
- Certain expenses for people with disabilities
Sources not included in SSI:
- Your home and country
- Life insurance policies with a value of $1,500 or less
- Your vehicle
- Cemeteries for you and your immediate family members
- Up to $1,500 in funeral money for you and up to $1,500 in funeral money for your spouse
How to Apply for Supplemental Social Security Income
If you meet the requirements, you can apply for SSI at any time by going to https://www.ssa.gov/apply/ssi.
- Please select whether you are applying for an adult or a child
- Choose the SSI program that suits you (disability or 65+)
- Click the ‘Learn how to sign up’ button at the bottom.
To start your application, click on Getting Started button below the “Get Started Applying for SSI” box, but make sure you click the information you are asked to provide before proceeding so that you have everything you need at hand during application.
Other Ways to Apply for SSI
If you prefer to apply for SSI by phone, you can schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-772-1213. (Available in most time zones Monday through Friday, 8am to 7pm local time). Deaf or hard of hearing people can call 1-800-325-0778.
Tell the agent that you want to apply for Supplemental Security Income. He or she will schedule an appointment with you and let you know whether it will be over the phone or in person.
How long does the SSI application process take?
After you submit your application, it will be submitted to your state’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) office. Processing time can take six to nine months for review. After your application has been processed and reviewed, you will receive a letter in the mail with a decision.
Approved individuals will have their financial documents reviewed and will receive a new letter in the mail with the benefit amount they will receive each month. You can always check the status of your application by logging into your Social Security account.
For more information, see how to estimate your Social Security benefits using this free online tool.
