What Are SSI Benefits? What Makes Someone Eligible For SSI?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is one of the most known federal assistance programs. Managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA), SSI offers monthly financial benefits to qualified individuals with limited resources and income. Being aware that answers to questions like “What is SSI benefits” or “What makes someone eligible for SSI?” might remain relatively vague to many, we have compiled everything to know about SSI in this useful article.
Let’s not beat around the bush any longer and find out right now.
1. What Are SSI Benefits?
Monthly payment
SSI benefits are mainly known for the financial assistance provided per month. In detail, according to the Cost-of-Living Adjustment from SSA:
- The monthly maximum Federal amounts for 2025 are $967 for an eligible individual, $1,450 for an eligible individual with an eligible spouse, and $484 for an essential person.
This monthly payment will help consumers cover essentials such as shelter, food, or clothing.
However, not every eligible participant will receive the same benefit amount. For example, you may get more than $967 if you reside in a state that offers extra financial assistance per month. In another case, your payment can turn out lower based on your countable income and other factors.
Eligibility for other programs
If you are an SSI recipient, you can receive benefits from more federal programs. Rest assured that help from these programs will not affect the SSI payment you get.
- Medicaid: You’re automatic eligible for Medicaid in most states. This program assists you in covering healthcare costs, including doctor visits, hospital care, and prescriptions.
- Housing Support: Assistance with securing affordable housing through programs like HUD (Housing and Urban Development).
- Food Assistance: You may also access programs like SNAP/Food Stamps (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) in some states.
- Lifeline: SSI recipient is eligible for Lifeline Program, which provides discounted phone and internet plans to low-income individuals. If you apply through a service provider, you may even get a free phone.
- Other state benefits: Many states also offer additional SSI benefits, such as transportation support, utility assistance, rent rebates or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Also read: What Is Lifeline Benefit? Discover How It Can Save You Money
2. Who Is Eligible For SSI?
For 38% of adults 65 and older who receive SSI benefits, it is their only source of income. That proves SSI to be a safety net for those who face financial hardships. Eligible individuals for SSI include:
- Elderly citizens (65 and older)
- People with disabilities
- Blind individuals of any age, including children
In detail:
Disabled individuals or aged 65 or older
Seniors who are 65 or older are eligible for SSI, without needing to have a disability.
If they are 64 or younger, to meet eligibility requirements, they must have a disability that:
- Affects your ability to work for a year or more,
- Or may result in death,
- Or severely limits daily activity (for children with disabilities).
Seniors with a disability also need to prove they earn less than $1,550 per month from work.
People with little or no income (like wages and Social Security benefits)
SSI is also for people who do not earn over $1,971 from work per month. The income limit rises for couples and when parents apply for their children. Other income sources besides jobs will also be investigated, such as unemployment, pensions, and disability benefits.
People with little or no resources (things they own)
Those who have no resources are also eligible for SSI. Common resources are money in bank accounts and vehicles. But in general, applicants’ resources should not be over:
- $2,000 for individuals
- $3,000 for couples
If a parent applies for a child, these numbers increase by $2,000.
In case you’re not sure whether you’re eligible, you may use the SSI tool by the SSA to get started.
3. How To Differentiate SSI and SSDI?
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is a government insurance program that provides monthly benefits to those who are medically determinable disabled (physical or mental) that restricts their ability to be employed.
SSDI is usually mistaken for SSI. These two programs have several similarities but are not the same. Here’s a comparison to help you differentiate these programs:
| SSI | SSDI | |
| Payment source | General tax revenues | Disability trust fund |
| Minimum qualification requirements | Applicants must meet disability criteria by Social Security and have limited resources and income. | Applications must be “insured” based on contributions made to FICA for their own earnings, or those of their spouse or their parents. |
| Provided health insurance coverage | Medicaid. | Medicare |
| How to figure monthly payment amount | Starting with the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR), subtracting your countable income, and adding any state supplement. Not all income counts and only what’s left after allowed deductions. Some income can be excluded through SSI employment support. The FBR is adjusted yearly for cost-of-living changes. | Based on the worker’s lifetime average earnings covered by Social Security. Benefits may be reduced if you receive Workers’ Compensation, Black Lung, or certain public disability benefits. Other income or resources do not affect your payment. Monthly payments are adjusted yearly for cost-of-living changes. Dependents, like minor children, may also receive benefits on your record. |
| Is a State Supplemental Payment provided? | Several states pay SSI recipients an extra amount called a “state supplement”. The amounts and qualifications for supplements vary from state to state. | No state supplemental payment |
Read more: SSI Free Phone: How SSI Recipients Can Get A Phone From The Government
Commonly Asked Question about SSI
How much could you get from SSI?
The max monthly payment for 2024 is $943 for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. However, due to the increase in cost of living, the monthly SSI payment in 2025 has increased to $967 for a qualifying individual, $1,450 for a qualifying couple, and $484 for an essential person. Your amount may turn out lower depending on your income, certain family members’ income, your living situation, and other factors.
What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?
SSDI is based on your work history and provides benefits to you and eligible family members if you:
- Have a qualifying disability
- Worked for enough years and paid Social Security taxes during that time
On the other hand, SSI does not require a work history. It offers financial assistance to help cover essential needs like food, clothing, and shelter for individuals who are 65 or older or have a disability.
