SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
Monthly payments for low-income disabled adults and seniors.
About This Program
SSI provides a monthly cash payment to people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have very limited income and assets. Unlike SSDI, it has nothing to do with your work history — it is a needs-based program funded by general tax revenue rather than payroll taxes. The federal maximum benefit in 2024 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Many states supplement the federal payment with additional state funds. The asset limit is strict: you cannot have more than $2,000 in countable resources as an individual ($3,000 for a couple). Countable resources include cash, bank accounts, stocks, and most property other than your primary home and one vehicle. The asset limit has not been updated since 1989, which means inflation has made it increasingly restrictive over time. Not all income reduces your SSI payment dollar-for-dollar. The SSA excludes the first $20 per month of most income and the first $65 per month of earned income, then counts only half of earnings above $65. This earned income exclusion means working part-time while receiving SSI usually results in higher total income than SSI alone. In most states, SSI recipients are automatically eligible for Medicaid. SSI also generally makes you categorically eligible for SNAP. For many low-income disabled individuals who do not have enough work history for SSDI, SSI is the primary source of both income and health coverage.
Eligibility Requirements
| Income | Limited income and resources |
| Disability | Age 65+, blind, or disabled |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does SSI pay?
The federal SSI payment is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple in 2024. Many states add a supplemental payment on top of the federal amount. SSI benefits are reduced dollar-for-dollar by countable income above a $20 general exclusion and $65 earned income exclusion.
What assets does SSI not count?
The asset limit is $2,000 for individuals ($3,000 for couples), but many things are excluded: your primary home (regardless of value), one vehicle used for transportation, burial funds up to $1,500, household goods, and — importantly — ABLE accounts, which can hold up to $100,000 without affecting SSI.
Can I work while receiving SSI?
Yes, but earnings reduce your SSI payment. The first $85 of monthly earned income is excluded (general + earned income exclusions). Beyond that, SSI is reduced by $1 for every $2 earned. SSA also has work incentives like Plans for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) that allow you to save money for a work goal without affecting SSI.
Does SSI automatically give me Medicaid?
In most states, receiving SSI automatically enrolls you in Medicaid. A few states use separate Medicaid eligibility rules and require a separate Medicaid application. SSA will tell you which applies in your state when you are approved for SSI.
Can a child receive SSI?
Yes. Children under 18 with severe disabilities can qualify for SSI if the disability meets SSA's standards and family income and assets are within limits. The income and asset test for child SSI considers the parents' income ("deeming"), which affects eligibility for most middle-income families.
Related Programs
Eligibility requirements may have changed. Verify at the official source before applying.
Benefit Amount
Up to $967/mo (2024)
Application Guide
How to Apply for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) →Category
DisabilityLast reviewed: May 2025