SSI (Supplemental Security Income)¶

Federal income supplement program providing monthly cash payments to aged, blind, and disabled individuals with limited income and resources. Funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security trust funds.

SSI provides monthly cash payments to eligible people with little or no income or resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. The 2026 federal maximum is $994 per month for an eligible individual and $1,491 for an eligible couple. The payment depends on income, living arrangements, resources, and other factors.

Some details for this program are still being verified. Check the official source for the most current information.

Questions to ask the program¶

These are questions to ask the program, not a verdict on your eligibility. Confirm the current rules directly with the program.

What this record does not yet say¶

complete eligibility rules
required documents
decision timeline
complete application process
availability evidence
countable income and resource rules
current immigration and residence rules
blindness and household paths
linked payment and disability planning source review

Services¶

SSI provides monthly cash payments to eligible people with little or no income or resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. The 2026 federal maximum is $994 per month for an eligible individual and $1,491 for an eligible couple. The payment depends on income, living arrangements, resources, and other factors.

How to apply¶

Open the SSA application guidance linked from this program page. SSA must review the applicant’s circumstances and required evidence.

Use the official program page for application details: official program page.

ssdi (alternative): SSDI is for workers with sufficient work history; SSI is needs-based with no work requirement

Who qualifies¶

Adults and children may qualify for SSI when they meet the income, resource, and status rules. Citizenship and immigration rules also apply.

Applicants must have limited income. [SSA eligibility rules]
The general resource limit is $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. [SSA eligibility rules]
An applicant must have a qualifying disability, blindness, or be age 65 or older. [SSA eligibility rules]

How payments work¶

The actual SSI payment can be lower than the federal maximum.

Income from work, non-work income such as benefits or pensions, living situation, and certain family members' income can change the payment. [SSA payment rules]
As a public rule of thumb, earned income usually reduces SSI by about $1 for every $2 earned, while non-work income usually reduces SSI by about $1 for every $1 received. [SSA payment rules]

SSI and disability planning tools¶

ABLE accounts — The first $100,000 in an ABLE account is disregarded for SSI resource counting. A higher balance can suspend SSI while Medicaid may continue if the person is otherwise eligible. [SSA ABLE guidance]
Special needs trusts — Trust rules are technical. Some trusts count as resources, and some shelter payments from a trust can reduce SSI. [SSA trust guidance]
Food is no longer included in SSI in-kind support and maintenance calculations as of September 30, 2024. [SSA trust guidance]

2026 student earned-income exclusion¶

For SSI beneficiaries who are students under age 22, the 2026 earned-income exclusion is up to $2,410 per month and $9,730 per year. Ask SSA which earnings qualify. [Social Security Administration]