SSI pays monthly cash to people with limited income and resources who are older, blind or have a disability.
How it's run
Federal program
State guides
51 of 51
Type of help
cash
SSI in your state
Income limits, apply links and local offices differ by state. Choose yours for the details.
Click a state to see SSI rules there
About SSI
What is SSI?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that pays monthly cash benefits to people with limited income and resources who are blind, age 65 or older, or have a qualifying disability. The Social Security Administration runs the program.
Who qualifies
You may qualify for SSI if you meet all three of these conditions:
You are age 65 or older, blind, or have a disability that stops you from working
Your resources are worth $2,000 or less (or $3,000 or less if you are part of a couple)
Your income is low enough
What counts as resources includes cash, bank accounts, stocks, and property you own. Some things don't count, like your home or your car.
What counts as income includes wages, benefits from other programs, and money from family members or others. SSI has strict rules about income limits, and some income doesn't count toward the limit.
Applying is free. Only the Social Security Administration decides if you qualify.
How much you get
The federal SSI payment changes each year. Some states also add their own money on top of the federal amount. Your payment may be different depending on your income and where you live.
Medicaid connection
In most states, if you get SSI, you can also get Medicaid. Medicaid helps pay for doctor visits, hospital care, and other health services. Check your state's SSI page to learn what health benefits you may get.
How to apply
You can apply for SSI in three ways:
Call 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call 1-800-325-0778.
Apply online at www.ssa.gov/ssi
Visit your local Social Security office in person
Bringing documents with you speeds up the process. Have ready:
Your Social Security number
Birth certificate or proof of age
Proof of citizenship or immigration status
Bank statements and other proof of your resources
Pay stubs or other proof of income
Medical records if you are applying for disability or blindness
Your landlord's name and contact information if you rent
What happens after you apply
A Social Security worker will review your application and documents. They may ask you for more information. If you applied by phone or online, they will contact you to schedule an in-person visit if needed.
The Social Security Administration will decide if you qualify. This can take several weeks.
After you are approved
If you are approved, the Social Security Administration will tell you:
How much your monthly payment will be
When your first payment arrives
If you qualify for Medicaid in your state
You must report changes to the Social Security Administration. Tell them if:
Your income changes
Your living situation changes
You get a job or stop working
Your resources change
You move
Your marital status changes
Failing to report changes can affect your benefits.
Yearly renewal (continuing disability review)
The Social Security Administration reviews your case regularly to make sure you still qualify. How often depends on whether your condition may improve. They will send you a notice telling you what information to send back by a certain date.
Related programs
If you get SSI, you may also qualify for other help:
Benefits Research Desk · Sep 21, 2026 · 3 min read
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