by staff of the Social Security Administration
Question: What is the SSI program?
Answer: The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness who have income and resources below specific financial limits. SSI payments are also made to people aged 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial qualifications.
You may be eligible to receive SSI monthly payments even if you are already receiving Social Security.
Related: Defend Against Scammers Who Target your Social Security Benefits
Question: How does the SSI program work?
Answer: SSI is a federal program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes). It provides monthly payments to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. The base monthly federal amount varies depending on your living arrangement and countable income.
Not everyone gets the same amount. You may get more if you live in a state that adds money to the federal SSI payment. You may get less if you have other income such as wages, pensions, or Social Security benefits. You may also get less if someone pays your household expenses or if you live with a spouse and s/he has income.
You may be able to get SSI if your resources are worth $2,000 or less. A couple may be able to get SSI if they have resources worth $3,000 or less.
Question: Is anyone eligible for the SSI program?
Answer: Anyone may apply for SSI. (Check eligibility here.) The SSI program provides monthly payments to people who:
- Are at least age 65 or blind or disabled.
- Have limited income (wages, pensions, etc.).
- Have limited resources (the things you own).
- Are U.S. citizens, nationals of the U.S., or some noncitizens.
- Reside in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands. Exception: The children of military parent(s) assigned to permanent duty outside the U.S. and certain students temporarily abroad may receive SSI payments outside the U.S.
