Monthly income · Nationwide
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
A monthly cash payment for people 65 and older with very little income, and the doorway to Medicaid in most states.
Written and checked by Jason Burns, Editorial Steward · Checked August 25, 2026
What it is typically worth
$1,200 – $11,800 a year
An estimate for a typical household. Your amount depends on your income, your state, and your situation.
What this program is, in plain English
Supplemental Security Income is a monthly cash payment from Social Security for people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled, and who have very little income and very few assets. It is different from Social Security retirement. You can get both. The reason SSI matters more than its size suggests is what it opens: in most states, being approved for SSI signs you up for Medicaid at the same time, and Medicaid then qualifies you automatically for a Medicare Savings Program and for Extra Help with drug costs. One approval, four programs.
What you actually get
A monthly federal payment, plus a state supplement in many states. Approval usually brings automatic Medicaid enrollment.
Who qualifies
- You are 65 or older.
- Income limit: $994 a month. Posted 2026 (effective January 2026). Source: SSA — SSI Federal Payment Amounts for 2026 Close to the line? Apply anyway — some income doesn't count toward these limits.
- Countable savings and assets under $2,000. $2,000 for one person and $3,000 for a couple. Your home, one vehicle, and household goods do not count. The limit is $2,000 for one person and $3,000 for a married couple. Your home, one car, and household goods do not count. Posted 2026. Source: SSA — Understanding SSI: Resources
What to have ready
- Birth certificate
- Proof of income
- Bank statements
- Proof of where you live
- Life insurance policies
- Vehicle titles
How to apply
This program is run by Social Security Administration. Most decisions take Three to six months for age-based claims; longer for disability claims.
This opens a special enrollment window
We are not a government agency. These links go straight to the agency that runs the program. Applying is always free.
Every program on this site is free to apply for. Anyone who asks you to pay to apply, or to “unlock” a government benefit, is a scam — hang up and call Senior Medicare Patrol or 211.
Report something wrong on this page
Sources
- Program page — ssa.gov
- Social Security Administration — ssa.gov
- Legal authority: 42 U.S.C. §§ 1381–1383f; 20 C.F.R. Part 416
Checked August 25, 2026 by Jason Burns (http fetch + browser + content check 2026-08-25). Licensed under the Citation License 1.0.
Related programs
- Social Security Survivor BenefitsIf your husband or wife has died, you may be owed a monthly benefit based on their record.
- Social Security Benefits From an Ex-Spouse's RecordIf the marriage lasted ten years, you may be able to collect on your ex's record. They are never told, and their check is not reduced.
- Social Security Fairness Act: Benefits You Never Filed ForIf a government pension once wiped out your spousal or survivor benefit, that rule is gone. Social Security will not come find you.
Not sure if this one is for you?
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