Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly cash benefits to disabled, blind, or elderly individuals with limited income and resources. Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), SSI is needs-based—qualification depends on financial circumstances, not work history. Understanding SSI helps eligible individuals access benefits they may desperately need.

Who Qualifies for SSI?

SSI serves three groups: disabled adults, blind individuals (all ages), and people 65 and older. You must also have limited income and resources AND be a US citizen or qualified non-citizen.

For adults, disability means a medically determinable impairment that prevents substantial gainful activity and has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Income Limits

SSI is for people with very limited income. The Social Security Administration counts "countable income" against your benefit. Not all income counts—some exclusions exist.

Countable income includes earned income (wages, self-employment), unearned income (other benefits, gifts, interest), and in-kind support (food or shelter provided by others).

Income limits change annually. Even small amounts of income reduce your SSI payment, though not dollar-for-dollar. Earned income has more generous exclusions than unearned income.

Resource Limits

Individuals can have no more than $2,000 in countable resources; couples cannot exceed $3,000. Resources include cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and property you could convert to cash.

Important exclusions include your home (primary residence), one vehicle (in most circumstances), household goods and personal effects, and burial funds up to $1,500.

SSI Benefit Amounts

The federal SSI benefit rate is adjusted annually. Many states supplement the federal payment, increasing total monthly benefits. Your actual payment depends on your specific income, living arrangements, and state supplements.

Individuals living in someone else's household may receive reduced payments under the "in-kind support and maintenance" rules.

Medical Criteria

The disability evaluation process for SSI is the same as SSDI. You must have a medically determinable impairment that meets SSA's definition of disability. The same listings of impairments and sequential evaluation process apply.

Gather comprehensive medical records documenting your condition and functional limitations.

Applying for SSI

Apply at your local Social Security office or by calling Social Security. You cannot apply for SSI entirely online, though you can start the process online. Bring identification, financial records, medical documentation, and proof of citizenship or immigration status.

SSI and Medicaid

In most states, SSI eligibility automatically qualifies you for Medicaid—which can be equally valuable as the cash benefit. Medicaid provides health coverage including doctor visits, hospital care, and prescription drugs.

Some states use different Medicaid eligibility criteria, but SSI recipients generally qualify.

SSI and Other Benefits

SSI interacts with other benefit programs. SNAP (food stamps) benefits are calculated considering SSI income. Housing subsidies may affect in-kind support calculations. Other government benefits may reduce or be reduced by SSI.

Reporting Requirements

You must report changes to Social Security—income changes, resource changes, living arrangement changes, and changes in disability status. Failure to report can result in overpayments you'll need to repay.

Working While on SSI

SSI includes work incentives. Earned income doesn't reduce benefits dollar-for-dollar—SSA excludes the first $65 of earned income plus half of the remainder. Special rules like PASS (Plan to Achieve Self-Support) protect income and resources set aside for work goals.

Getting Legal Help

Disability attorneys help with SSI applications and appeals, particularly when medical issues are complex or initial applications are denied. They work on contingency, taking fees only from back payments if you win.