If you’re having trouble covering basic expenses, Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, can provide some financial support.
That said, qualifying for SSI can be challenging. Income and asset thresholds are very low, and there are other eligibility conditions to satisfy.
In this article, we explain everything you need to know about SSI — how it operates, who qualifies and how to apply.
What Is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that gives financial aid to individuals who are disabled or age 65 and older and who have limited income and assets.
SSI was created in 1972 under the Social Security Act and is overseen by the Social Security Administration.
Roughly 5 million people received SSI benefits in February 2023.
Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which helps people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes, SSI is a needs-based benefit available to low-income people due to age or disability regardless of their employment history.
If you receive SSI, you’re typically eligible for benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid as well.
Who Receives SSI?
Most SSI recipients — nearly 80% — qualify because of a serious disability, including blindness. About 1 million recipients were children in February 2023.
Only about 20% of SSI beneficiaries were age 65 or older without a disability.
Children 18 and under received the highest average monthly SSI payment at $785, while those 65 and older received the smallest average payment, around $554.
How Much Is an SSI Payment?
The maximum monthly SSI payment in 2023 is $914 for an individual and $1,371 for a couple.
However, not everyone gets the full amount; payments vary by individual circumstances.
Some states add extra monthly assistance, which can increase your benefit. Conversely, your payment could be lower depending on how much countable income you have (explained below).
The average monthly SSI benefit was $675 in February 2023, according to the Social Security Administration.
How Is SSI Different From Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
The key distinction between these programs is that SSI eligibility hinges on age or disability and limited income and assets. SSDI eligibility, by contrast, depends on disability and earning enough work credits.
Individuals who have never worked (such as children) may qualify for SSI if disabled and meeting income limits. SSDI doesn’t have income limits; it’s based on your employment history and Social Security tax contributions.
Another distinction: states commonly provide Medicaid to SSI beneficiaries, whereas SSDI beneficiaries typically become eligible for Medicare after 24 months of benefits.
SSDI benefits are generally higher on average than SSI benefits.
That’s because SSDI is tied to your earnings history. More work credits typically result in a larger SSDI payment.
SSI, on the other hand, has a set maximum benefit — $914 in 2023 — adjusted annually for inflation.
Can You Receive SSI and SSDI Simultaneously?
Yes — it’s possible to get benefits from both programs.
However, you’ll generally only qualify for both if your SSDI payment is fairly small.
The Social Security Administration treats SSDI payments as countable income (with only a $20 exclusion). So if your SSDI (or Social Security retirement) payment is above $934, you won’t qualify for SSI.
If your SSDI benefit is under $934, you might be eligible for SSI, but your SSI payment will be reduced by the amount of your SSDI.
There are several reasons someone might have a small SSDI benefit: limited work history, low-wage jobs, or significant periods of informal employment without Social Security tax contributions. In such situations, SSI can help make up the difference.
How to Qualify for SSI
To be eligible for Supplemental Security Income, you must have constrained income and limited resources.
- What counts as resources: Cash, bank balances, retirement funds, stocks and bonds. Your primary residence is not counted, and typically one vehicle is excluded as well.
- What counts as income: Earnings from work, Social Security benefits, pensions, workers’ compensation, unemployment benefits, and money from friends or family.
In 2023, your resources must not exceed $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple.
Figuring out what the Social Security Administration counts as income for SSI can be complicated.
For example, wages do count, but not all of the wage amount may be considered. SNAP benefits, educational scholarships and grants, home energy assistance and tax refunds are typically excluded.
See this SSA list to learn what is and isn’t treated as income.
Here’s how much you can earn and still get SSI:
- $1,913 for individuals whose income is solely from wages, and $934 for individuals with non-wage income.
- $2,827 for couples whose income is only from wages, and $1,391 for couples with non-wage income.
You must also be a U.S. citizen or satisfy certain immigration requirements to receive SSI.
How Does Income Affect Your SSI Payment?
In general, the more countable income you have, the smaller your SSI benefit will be.
The base monthly SSI benefit in 2023 is $914 for an individual and $1,371 for a couple.
Your countable income reduces that amount. For instance, if you receive $500 monthly from Social Security retirement, the first $20 is excluded. Then $480 (the countable income) is deducted from the SSI benefit ($914 for an individual). That would leave an SSI payment of $434, assuming no other income.
How to Apply for SSI
You can request an appointment to apply for SSI by submitting basic information through this online appointment request form.
Filling out the request takes about five to 10 minutes and no documents are required.
A Social Security representative will then set up an appointment to assist you with the SSI application. You should receive notice of your appointment by phone, mail or email within seven to 14 business days after submitting the request.
You can also apply by visiting your local Social Security office in person or by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
A Social Security representative can guide you through the process, but be ready: the full application is long and needs substantial documentation about your income, resources and disability (if applying based on disability).
Jordan Matthews is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance and a senior writer at Savinly. He covers retirement, Medicare, investing and taxes.
