See details for your state

Social Security Administration

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

BenefitDisability SupportRecurringRolling

What it may cover

$11K

Enrollment

Open enrollment

Where available

All 50 states (some states add a supplement)

What you get

SSI provides monthly cash assistance to elderly, blind, or disabled individuals with very limited income and resources to help cover basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. Benefit amounts are determined by the federal benefit rate minus countable income. Eligibility is based on financial need rather than work history, with strict income and asset limits.

Support for disability-related income, healthcare, services, equipment, or independent living needs.

Bring medical, school, or agency records that explain the disability and the support needed.

Do you qualify?

Check what applies to you. Your answers are saved on this device so you can come back later.

0/5 confirmed

Must have limited income: earnings below $1,971/month for an individual (2024 substantial gainful activity threshold does not directly apply — SSI uses a different income formula)
Your household income must be at or below:
$1,971/year
$164/month
Is your household income at or below $1,971/year?
Do you have limited resources: no more than $2,000 in countable assets for an individual?
Are you aged 65 or older, OR be blind, OR have a qualifying disability expected to last at least 12 months?
Are you a US citizen or qualifying non-citizen?
Do you reside in the US, the Northern Mariana Islands, or, in some cases, outside the US under specific conditions?

What to bring

If you do not have one of these, apply anyway and ask what substitutes are accepted.

1SSA Form SSA-8000 (Application for Supplemental Security Income) — apply online at ssa.gov, in person, or by phone at 1-800-772-1213
2Social Security card and government-issued photo ID
3Birth certificate or other proof of age
4Proof of all income sources: recent pay stubs, award letters for any Social Security benefits, bank statements
5Proof of resources: bank statements (last 3 months), investment account statements, property deeds
6Citizenship documentation or immigration papers (if applicable)
7Medical records if applying on the basis of disability (SSA will also request these)

How to apply

Processing time varies by location and program funding.

1Find the right local officeUse your ZIP code to confirm the local benefits office that handles Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
2Apply online, by phone, or in personUse the official application path and keep a copy of anything you submit.
3Complete the interview or verificationMany benefits require a short call, appointment, or document check.
4Watch for a decisionKeep mail, email, and phone open so you do not miss follow-up requests.

Find local help

Your ZIP helps you confirm the right local office and state-specific rules.

Program impact

SSI is needs-based — you must have very limited income AND assets to qualify.

People helped

7.4 million Americans

receiving monthly benefits

Annual federal budget

$59 billion

Average benefit

Up to $943/month for an individual (2024)

Established

1972

You may also qualify for

Other programs in the same category that often go hand-in-hand.

U.S. Department of the Treasury / State ABLE Programs

ABLE Accounts

Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Assistive Technology Act Programs

Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Independent Living Centers

See details for your state

Social Security Administration

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

BenefitDisability SupportRecurringRolling

What it may cover

$11K

Enrollment

Open enrollment

Where available

All 50 states (some states add a supplement)

What you get

Support for disability-related income, healthcare, services, equipment, or independent living needs.

Bring medical, school, or agency records that explain the disability and the support needed.

Do you qualify?

Check what applies to you. Your answers are saved on this device so you can come back later.

0/5 confirmed

Must have limited income: earnings below $1,971/month for an individual (2024 substantial gainful activity threshold does not directly apply — SSI uses a different income formula)
Your household income must be at or below:
$1,971/year
$164/month
Is your household income at or below $1,971/year?
Do you have limited resources: no more than $2,000 in countable assets for an individual?
Are you aged 65 or older, OR be blind, OR have a qualifying disability expected to last at least 12 months?
Are you a US citizen or qualifying non-citizen?
Do you reside in the US, the Northern Mariana Islands, or, in some cases, outside the US under specific conditions?

What to bring

If you do not have one of these, apply anyway and ask what substitutes are accepted.

1SSA Form SSA-8000 (Application for Supplemental Security Income) — apply online at ssa.gov, in person, or by phone at 1-800-772-1213
2Social Security card and government-issued photo ID
3Birth certificate or other proof of age
4Proof of all income sources: recent pay stubs, award letters for any Social Security benefits, bank statements
5Proof of resources: bank statements (last 3 months), investment account statements, property deeds
6Citizenship documentation or immigration papers (if applicable)
7Medical records if applying on the basis of disability (SSA will also request these)

How to apply

Processing time varies by location and program funding.

1Find the right local officeUse your ZIP code to confirm the local benefits office that handles Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
2Apply online, by phone, or in personUse the official application path and keep a copy of anything you submit.
3Complete the interview or verificationMany benefits require a short call, appointment, or document check.
4Watch for a decisionKeep mail, email, and phone open so you do not miss follow-up requests.

Find local help

Your ZIP helps you confirm the right local office and state-specific rules.

Program impact

SSI is needs-based — you must have very limited income AND assets to qualify.

People helped

7.4 million Americans

receiving monthly benefits

Annual federal budget

$59 billion

Average benefit

Up to $943/month for an individual (2024)

Established

1972

You may also qualify for

Other programs in the same category that often go hand-in-hand.

U.S. Department of the Treasury / State ABLE Programs

ABLE Accounts

Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Assistive Technology Act Programs

Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Independent Living Centers