SSI — Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash payments for people who are aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled — with low income and limited resources. No work history required.
2027 payment amounts
Who2026 maximum2027 maximum (+3.6%)
Individual$943/month$976/month
Couple$1,415/month$1,465/month
Essential person$473/month$490/month
Some states add a supplemental payment on top. Source: SSA, October 2026.
Who qualifies
- Age 65 or older, or blind, or have a qualifying disability
- Income below the benefit rate (the maximum payment above)
- Resources below $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple) — excludes your home and one car
- US citizen or certain lawfully resident immigrants
- Reside in the US (not a US territory, with some exceptions)
How SSI is affected by income
SSI benefit = Federal benefit rate − countable income. The first $20 of most income and the first $65 of earned income are not counted. Above those amounts, unearned income reduces SSI dollar-for-dollar; earned income reduces it by 50 cents per dollar.
Apply through SSA
Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local SSA office. Online applications are available for people aged 18–65 applying for disability SSI.
Apply for SSI at SSA.gov