SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Eligibility & Payments
Last updated October 15, 2026 · By O.B. · Educational overview, not legal or financial advice
SSI provides monthly cash payments to older adults and people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. Here's who qualifies, how much you can get, and how to apply.
What is SSI?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program run by the Social Security Administration that provides monthly cash payments to people with limited income and resources who are aged 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability. SSI is funded by general tax revenues — not Social Security taxes — and is separate from Social Security retirement or disability benefits, though some people receive both.
How much can you get?
2026 amounts (in effect now): For 2026, the maximum federal SSI payment is $994 per month for an individual and $1,491 per month for a couple (SSA: how much you could get). These amounts include the 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment that took effect in January 2026 (SSA: SSI payment amounts by year). Many states add a supplement on top of the federal amount. Your actual payment depends on your other income, living situation, and resources — some income is not counted.
SSA does not count the first $20 of most income in a month (the general income exclusion), or the first $65 of monthly earnings plus half of earnings above that (SSA Red Book). A student under age 22 who regularly attends school can also have up to $2,410 a month of earnings left uncounted, up to $9,730 for all of 2026 (SSA: SSI income).
2027 amounts (official): On October 14, 2026, SSA announced a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment for 2027 (SSA press release). The maximum federal SSI payment for 2027 is $1,029 per month for an individual and $1,544 per month for a couple (SSA: SSI federal payment amounts for 2027). The new amounts apply to payments for January 2027. Because January 1 is a holiday, SSA makes the January payment at the end of December (SSA: latest COLA), so the first higher SSI payment arrives on December 31, 2026 (SSA: COLA information for 2027). For 2027, the resource limits stay at $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple, and the student earned income exclusion rises to $2,500 a month, up to $10,080 for the year (SSA 2027 COLA fact sheet). See our 2027 COLA guide.
Who is eligible?
To qualify, you generally must be 65 or older, blind, or disabled, and have limited income and limited resources (countable resources of no more than $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple, per SSA, with some assets like your home and one car not counted). You must also be a U.S. citizen or meet certain qualifying noncitizen rules and reside in the U.S. Children with qualifying disabilities may also be eligible.
How to apply
You can start an SSI application online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. In many cases applying for SSI can also start an application for Social Security disability benefits. People who get SSI often automatically qualify for Medicaid and SNAP too, so it's worth applying even if you're unsure.
Frequently asked questions
How much is SSI per month?
For 2026, the maximum federal SSI payment is $994 per month for an individual and $1,491 for a couple, after the 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment that took effect in January 2026. Many states add a supplement on top. Your actual amount depends on other income and your living situation. For 2027, the maximums rise to $1,029 for an individual and $1,544 for a couple after a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment. The first higher payment is the January 2027 payment, which SSA pays on December 31, 2026.
Who qualifies for SSI?
People who are 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability, and who have limited income and limited resources (countable resources of no more than $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple). Some assets, like your home and one car, are not counted.
Is SSI the same as Social Security?
No. SSI is a needs-based program funded by general tax revenue for people with limited income and resources. Social Security retirement and disability benefits are based on your work history. Some people qualify for both.
Does SSI come with other benefits?
Often yes. In most states, people who receive SSI automatically qualify for Medicaid, and many also qualify for SNAP food benefits.
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