Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays up to $994 a month for an eligible individual and $1,491 for an eligible couple in 2026. It’s a needs-based federal program for people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have very little income and few resources. Unlike Social Security retirement or disability benefits, you don’t need a work history to qualify.
SSI Payment Amounts in 2026
| Maximum Federal Monthly Payment (2026) | |
|---|---|
| Eligible individual | $994 |
| Eligible couple (both eligible) | $1,491 |
| Essential person | $498 |
Source: SSA’s 2026 determinations in the Federal Register, reflecting the 2.8% cost-of-living increase effective January 2026.
These are maximums. Your payment is the maximum minus your countable income, so many people receive less. Most states add a state supplement on top of the federal amount, and the amount varies widely by state and living arrangement; check your state’s SSI supplement.
Who Qualifies for SSI
You must meet all of these:
- Age or disability: 65 or older, blind, or disabled (children can qualify on disability).
- Limited resources: countable resources of $2,000 or less for an individual or $3,000 for a couple.
- Limited income: countable income below the payment limit (see below).
- Residency and status: live in the U.S. (or Northern Mariana Islands) and be a U.S. citizen or a qualified noncitizen who meets SSA’s rules.
- Apply for other benefits: you must apply for any other benefits you may qualify for, such as Social Security.
For the disability standard itself, see conditions that qualify for disability.
What Counts as a Resource
Counted: cash, bank accounts, stocks and bonds, and property other than your home.
Generally not counted: the home you live in, one vehicle used for transportation, household goods and personal effects, burial plots, burial funds up to $1,500, and life insurance with a total face value of $1,500 or less. ABLE accounts are excluded up to $100,000.
How Income Reduces Your SSI Check
SSA subtracts countable income from the maximum payment. Not all income counts:
- $20 general exclusion on most income each month.
- $65 plus half of the rest of your earned income is excluded.
- Student earned income exclusion: students under 22 can exclude up to $2,410 a month, up to $9,730 in 2026.
Example: earned income. You earn $500 a month and have no other income.
| Step | Amount |
|---|---|
| Earnings | $500.00 |
| Minus $20 general exclusion | $480.00 |
| Minus $65 earned income exclusion | $415.00 |
| Divide by 2 | $207.50 countable |
| SSI payment: $994 − $207.50 | $786.50 |
| Total income: $500 + $786.50 | $1,286.50 |
Working always leaves you with more total income than not working, because only about half of each earned dollar reduces SSI.
Example: Social Security. If you receive $600 a month from Social Security, $580 counts after the $20 exclusion, so SSI pays $994 − $580 = $414.
Living arrangements matter. If someone else provides your shelter (for example, you live rent-free with family), SSA can reduce your payment, by up to about one-third in some arrangements. Since September 30, 2024, food provided by others no longer counts toward this reduction.
SSI Payment Dates in 2026
SSI is paid on the 1st of each month. When the 1st falls on a weekend or federal holiday, it arrives on the prior business day:
| Payment for | Paid on |
|---|---|
| January 2026 | December 31, 2025 |
| February 2026 | January 30, 2026 |
| March 2026 | February 27, 2026 |
| August 2026 | July 31, 2026 |
| November 2026 | October 30, 2026 |
| January 2027 | December 31, 2026 |
All other months are paid on the 1st. That’s why July, October, and December 2026 each contain two payments and March, August, and November contain none: the “extra” payment is next month’s check arriving early, not a bonus. For Social Security payment dates, see the payment schedule.
SSI vs SSDI
| SSI | SSDI | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | Age 65+, blind, or disabled, with limited income and resources | Workers who become disabled and have enough work credits |
| Work history needed | No | Yes (generally 40 credits, fewer if younger) |
| Funded by | General tax revenue | Social Security payroll taxes |
| 2026 payment | Up to $994 individual / $1,491 couple, reduced by other income | Based on your earnings record; average $1,586, maximum $4,152 |
| Resource limit | $2,000 individual / $3,000 couple | None |
| Health coverage | Medicaid in most states, often right away | Medicare after 24 months |
| Waiting period | None | Five full months |
| Taxable | No | Can be, depending on income |
You can receive both if your SSDI payment is below the SSI limit and you meet SSI’s resource rules; SSI then fills part of the gap. For SSDI amounts and rules, see Social Security disability benefits.
How to Apply
- Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office to apply for SSI; adults applying on disability can start part of the application online at ssa.gov.
- Have ready: proof of age and citizenship or immigration status, bank statements and other resource records, income records, your lease or living-arrangement details, and medical records if applying on disability.
- If you’re denied, you generally have 60 days to appeal.
Part of the Social Security guide.
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