Key takeaways:
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly cash benefits for people who are 65 or older or blind and meet certain criteria. Individuals who have a qualifying disability may also be eligible to receive SSI.
To qualify for SSI, you must prove that your income and assets are below a certain threshold. SSI recipients are required to report their monthly wages and any changes in income from other sources.
If you are eligible for SSI, you may also qualify for other benefits, such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), to help cover basic needs.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly financial assistance to qualified individuals who need help paying for basic needs like housing, food, and clothing. About 7.4 million people receive monthly SSI benefits as of April 2024.
To qualify for SSI, you must have limited income and assets. And you must be 65 or older, have a qualifying disability, or be blind. Below, we discuss how SSI works, the eligibility requirements, and how to apply.
How does Supplemental Security Income work?
Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is a program designed to assist certain individuals who have low income and minimal assets. Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you do not need Social Security work credits to qualify for SSI.
If you qualify for SSI, you may also receive the following benefits:
Medicaid: Medicaid provides health insurance to low-income adults, pregnant women, and children. In most states, if you qualify for SSI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid. If you do not automatically qualify, you can apply through the state Medicaid program.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service administers SNAP to help low-income individuals pay for food. You can apply for benefits at a local SNAP office, and you’ll be able to purchase eligible food at retail stores with your SNAP debit card if you qualify.
If you are enrolled in Medicare, your state will pay for your Medicare premiums if you receive SSI and are eligible for Medicaid. You will also qualify for the Medicare Extra Help program, which helps pay for copayments, deductibles, and premiums related to prescription medication coverage (Part D). These benefits are estimated to be worth up to $5,300 per year.
There is no expiration date for SSI benefits. As long as you meet the qualifications, you will continue to receive benefits.
Who qualifies for Supplemental Security Income?
To qualify for SSI, there are three main requirements:
You are 65 or older, disabled, or blind.
You are a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
You have limited income and assets or resources.
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Since SSI is a needs-based program, your countable assets must be worth no more than $2,000 if you are single, or $3,000 for married couples. Your assets include financial resources like cash, bank account funds, and stocks. However, SSI does not count certain resources in your asset calculation, including your home, wedding ring, and household goods.
SSI defines income as anything you receive that can help you meet your basic needs for food or shelter. There are different types of income, which include the following:
Earned income: This includes money earned from working a job, net earnings from self-employment, and certain royalties.
Unearned income: Interest income, dividends, Social Security benefits, and unemployment benefits are examples of unearned income.
In-kind income: If you receive food or shelter for free or for less than the market value, that would be considered in-kind income.
Deemed income: This can be income from another person, such as a spouse or parent you live with, that is used to calculate your SSI benefit amount.
SSI also has earned and unearned income exclusions that will be used to determine your monthly benefit amount.
How to apply for Supplemental Security Income
The eligibility requirements and application process for SSI are different for different age groups.
If the SSA rejects your application, you have the right to appeal the decision. But you must request an appeal within 60 days of the determination.
Children under 18 years old
For a child under 18 years old to qualify for SSI, they must have a serious disability that is expected to last for at least 1 year or result in death.
If you are applying on your child’s behalf, you will fill out an online form on the SSA website, which takes about an hour. You will also give permission for your child’s healthcare professional to provide information to the SSA about the disability.
Adults between the ages of 18 to 65
If you are between the ages of 18 to 65, you must also have a disability that will last at least one year or result in death to qualify. The disability must also prevent you from working.
You can apply through an online form, by phone (1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778), or by visiting a local SSA office. The SSA recommends applying as soon as possible after you become disabled. There is no waiting period.
Adults age 65 and older
If you are age 65 or older, you do not have to be disabled to qualify for supplemental security income benefits. However, you will not be able to apply for benefits online. You can either call (1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit a local SSA office. You must meet the income and asset requirements to qualify.
Is Supplemental Security Income the same as Social Security Disability Insurance?
No, the programs are different. SSI provides help for older, blind, or disabled people who have limited income and resources. The focus of this program is to provide financial assistance to meet basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter.
On the other hand, SSDI is available to individuals who have a disability and have accumulated a sufficient number of work credits. Work credits are based on a person’s work history and contributions to the Social Security trust fund through payroll taxes.
SSDI generally has higher payouts. As of April 2024, the average monthly benefit for SSDI was $1,537 in 2024, compared to $698 for SSI.
“Although other benefits in certain situations can still offset SSDI, it is still considered much better than SSI because it is not automatically offset by almost any income the way SSI is,” said Edward Guldi, a Social Security and workers’ compensation lawyer in New York City. “But more importantly, SSDI does not have any limits on property ownership, just income.”
Supplemental Security Income vs. Social Security benefits?
Social Security benefits and SSI are both programs managed by the SSA, but there are key differences that distinguish them.
Social Security benefits are based on your work earnings and taxes paid. On the other hand, SSI eligibility is need-based and determined by the amount of countable income and assets you have. This program provides financial assistance to individuals who don’t earn a lot of money. The table below shows the major differences.
Features | Social Security benefits | Supplemental Security Income (SSI) |
|---|---|---|
Program’s financing | Payroll taxes that are paid by employers and deducted from employees’ paychecks | General funds of the U.S. Department of Treasury (corporate taxes, individual income taxes, and other taxes) |
Benefit types | Retirement (age 62 and older), survivor, and disability | Age 65 and older, disability, and blindness |
Eligibility | Based on work credits | Based on financial need |
Is there an income limit? | No | Yes |
Is there an asset or resource limit? | No | Yes |
Are there benefits for eligible family members? | Yes | No |
Are benefits taxable? | Yes (depending on a person’s income) | No |
Do benefits have cost of living adjustments? | Yes | Yes |
Medical benefits | Eligible for at age 65 | Eligible for Medicaid in most states |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration
The bottom line
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly financial assistance to people with low income and limited assets. You must also be disabled, 65 or older, or blind to be eligible. If you qualify for SSI, you may also be eligible for other benefits, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid, to cover food and healthcare needs.
Generally, SSI has lower benefit levels than other Social Security programs, but applying for both can provide extra monthly support for those in need.
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