Besides distributing retirement and disability benefits to millions of Americans, the Social Security Administration provides Supplemental Security Income.
Supplemental Security Income: Who is eligible and how to apply
Every month, the Social Security Administration sends out payments to millions of Americans, primarily retirement benefits but also for disability and to survivors of beneficiaries. Separately, the agency provides Supplemental Security Income.
The Supplemental Security Income program provides monthly payments to seniors, as well as people with disabilities, including children who have little to no income or resources.
Who are eligible for SSI?
Americans with little or no income and little or no resources who have a disability, blindness or are age 65 or older, may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). “SSI is generally for individuals who don’t earn more than $2,073 from work each month. The income limit increases for couples and when parents apply for children,” states the SSA.
According to the Social Security Administration, these groups are eligible to claim Supplemental Security Income:
Adults who:
- Are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability.
- Have income below specific financial limits (salaries, pensions, etc.).
- Have resources below specific financial limits (the things they own).
- Are citizens of the United States.
- Reside in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia (Washington D.C.), or the Northern Mariana Islands.
Children who:
- Are under the age of 18 and have a physical or mental condition that seriously limits their daily activities for a period of 12 months or more, or which can be expected to result in death.
- Live in a household with limited income and resources below specific financial limits.
Wages or income
The SSA considers “any item an individual receives in cash or in-kind that can be used to meet his or her need for food or shelter,” to be income for the purposes of SSI. The agency categorizes income into four types:
- Earned Income
- Unearned Income
- In-Kind Income
- Deemed Income
Resources (things you own)
The SSA will look at the various assets you own to calculate your resources. In order to qualify your resources must be:
- Less than $2,000 total for individuals
- Less than $3,000 total for couples
Receiving SSI?
— Social Security (@SocialSecurity) June 10, 2026
Changes to your:
✔️Income
✔️Living arrangements
✔️Work status
may affect your benefits.
Review reporting responsibilities and helpful resources: https://t.co/EgCnluTf9X pic.twitter.com/ERS0DekJXr
How can I apply for Supplemental Security Income?
You will need to provide the SSA with extensive documentation of income and financial resources. You will have to provide medical history evidence of your disability, if that is the basis of your claim. The SSA provides a checklist of documents that you will have to present.
You will typically need to have an interview with a SSI specialist from the SSA. You can begin the application process online if you meet the following criteria:
- Between the ages of 18 and 64 years and 10 months
- Never been married
- Never previously applied for SSI, neither yourself nor for a child
- Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance simultaneously. (Note: you can receive both at the same time.)
Those under 18 with a disability and people 65 and older should make an appointment to visit their local Social Security office. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 1-800-772-1213 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday, or online.
Once benefits are applied for and approved, SSA will send the monthly SSI payment on the first day of each month. Sometimes payments are sent during the last days of the month. This happens if the first day of the following month falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday. In those cases, payments are advanced to the previous Friday.
For more information, visit the SSA website.
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