SSI: Supplemental Security Income — Monthly Cash for Seniors and Disabled Adults

Who qualifies for SSI?

To be eligible for SSI, you must meet all of the following criteria:

Age, blindness, or disability

• Age 65 or older, regardless of disability status, OR
• Blind — vision no better than 20/200 in your better eye with corrective lenses, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less, OR
• Disabled — a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that has lasted (or is expected to last) at least 12 months or result in death, that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity

Income limits (2025)

SSI uses "countable income" after excluding certain types of income:

• To receive any SSI, your countable income must be below the federal benefit rate ($967/month for individuals in 2025)
• The first $20/month of most income is excluded
• The first $65/month of earned income plus half of remaining earned income is excluded
• SNAP benefits, most home energy assistance, and certain other benefits do not count as income

Resource limits (2025)

• Individual: $2,000 in countable resources
• Couple (both receiving SSI): $3,000 in countable resources
• Your home (primary residence) does not count as a resource
• One vehicle used for transportation does not count
• Burial funds up to $1,500 per person generally do not count

Citizenship and residency

• Must be a U.S. citizen or meet specific non-citizen requirements
• Must reside in one of the 50 states, D.C., or the Northern Mariana Islands
• Must not be absent from the U.S. for more than 30 consecutive days

How much can you receive?

The federal benefit rate (FBR) is the maximum monthly SSI payment set by Congress and adjusted annually for cost-of-living increases.

• 2025 FBR for an individual: $967/month
• 2025 FBR for an eligible couple: $1,450/month

Your actual payment may be less if you have countable income. The formula is: Federal Benefit Rate minus countable income = your SSI payment.

State supplements: Many states add a state supplementary payment on top of the federal amount. California, New York, and several other states have significant supplements that can add $100–$400 or more per month.

Medicaid: In most states, SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid health coverage.

SNAP: SSI recipients in most states automatically meet the income test for SNAP and should apply separately.

How to apply for SSI

1. Apply online or by phone. The easiest way to start is online at ssa.gov/benefits/ssi. You can also call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m. local time.
2. Visit a local Social Security office. Find your nearest office at secure.ssa.gov/ICON. Walk-in appointments are accepted; scheduled appointments are also available.
3. Gather required documents. You will need: Social Security card or number, birth certificate or proof of age, proof of citizenship or immigration status, proof of residency, financial records (bank statements, property records), medical records documenting disability (if claiming disability), and income and living arrangement information.
4. Complete the disability determination (if applicable). If you are applying based on disability, the SSA will send your case to your state's Disability Determination Services for a medical review. This process takes 3–6 months on average.
5. Apply as early as possible. SSI payments generally begin the month after the month you apply — not from the date of approval. Applying promptly preserves your earliest possible start date.

Official resources

• SSA SSI program page — ssa.gov/benefits/ssi
• SSI on benefits.gov — benefits.gov/benefit/162
• Find a local Social Security office — secure.ssa.gov/ICON