Supplemental Security Income: Who is eligible and how to apply
Every month, Supplemental Security Income payments of up to $943 are distributed by the Social Security Administration. Who are eligible to receive them?
The Social Security Administration provide several benefits to retirees, survivors, and those with disabilities. Those filing for disability can avail of Social Security Disability Insurance and/or Supplemental Security Income.
The Supplemental Security Income program provides monthly payments to seniors, as well as people with disabilities, including children.
This year, thanks to the last 3.2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase, the maximum monthly benefit is up to $943 for an individual and $1,415 for a married couple where both spouses are eligible for the program. People who qualify as “essential persons” can receive up to $472.
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Who are eligible for SSI?
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.
According to the SSA website, to qualify for Supplemental Security Income, a person must have limited income and few assets. These are the maximum income and resources you can have to qualify to receive SSI payments in 2024:
Wages or income from self-employment
- Less than $1,971 per month in wages or self-employment for individuals
- Less than $2,915 per month in wages or self-employment for couples
Income from non-work sources like pensions or donations, etc.
- Less than $963 per month for individuals
- Less than $1,435 per month for couples
Resources (things you own)
- Less than $2,000 total for individuals
- Less than $3,000 total for couples
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How can I apply for Supplemental Security Income ?
Adults with a disability can start their SSI application process online. SSI applications are not available online for people under 18 with a disability, or people over 65 without a disability.
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.