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SSI

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    updated December 17, 2024
    Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

    The Basics

    If you have a disability, are blind, or are over age 65 and you also have low income and limited resources, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a program run by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

    If you qualify for SSI, you get monthly cash payments to help you pay for your basic needs. A person who is single can get up to $943 per month in benefits. You also get Medicaid health coverage automatically, without having to file a separate application.

    If you get SSI benefits and start working, you'll probably end up better off financially. SSI's rules are designed to help you find work and make sure that your total income will be higher after you get a job.

    This article looks in detail at SSI’s rules for adults ages 18 – 64. Learn more about the rules for children under 18 in DB101’s Benefits for Young People article.

    Don't get SSI mixed up with other programs

    Social Security has two disability benefits programs with very similar names:

    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) gives cash benefits to people with disabilities who have low income and low resources. You do not need to have worked in the past to get SSI. SSI is explained in this article.
    • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) gives cash benefits to people with disabilities who qualify because they used to work or have a parent who worked. Learn more in DB101’s SSDI article.

    Some people qualify for both programs at the same time. If you get benefits from Social Security, but aren’t sure which ones you get, open a free my Social Security account or order a free Benefits Planning Query (BPQY) at your local Social Security office or by calling 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY).

    Get Expert Help

    If you have questions about SSI and need to talk with somebody, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) or visit your local Social Security office.

    If you want to ask about how work might affect your SSI benefits, try contacting:

    Watch these videos for a quick introduction to SSI:

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    Learn more

    What Benefits Do I Get?

    See how to find out which Social Security and state benefits you get.

    Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

    SSDI helps people with disabilities who worked and paid Social Security taxes.

    How Health Benefits Work

    Find the right health coverage for you.