SSA Office Visit Guide
Apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI eligibility, income and asset limits, the application process, and how SSI differs from SSDI.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. Unlike SSDI, you don't need a work history — but the income and asset limits are strict.
Quick answer: The 2026 maximum federal SSI payment is about $967/month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple. To qualify, you must have less than $2,000 in countable resources ($3,000 for couples).
Who qualifies for SSI
You must meet all three:
- Be 65+, blind, or have a qualifying disability
- Have limited income (most earned and unearned income counts, with some exclusions)
- Have countable resources under $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple)
You must also be a US citizen or qualifying non-citizen, and reside in the US.
What counts as a "resource"?
Cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and most property count toward the resource limit. The following are not counted:
- The home you live in and the land it sits on
- One vehicle, regardless of value, if used for transportation
- Household goods and personal effects
- Burial plots and up to $1,500 in burial funds
- Life insurance with face value of $1,500 or less
SSI vs SSDI: what's the difference?
| SSI | SSDI | |
|---|---|---|
| Funded by | General taxes | Payroll taxes |
| Work history needed? | No | Yes |
| Income/asset limits? | Yes (strict) | No |
| Health coverage | Medicaid (immediate) | Medicare (after 24 months) |
| Payment amount | Fixed federal amount | Based on earnings history |
Some people qualify for both SSI and SSDI ("concurrent benefits") if their SSDI payment is below the SSI federal amount.
How to apply
SSI applications generally cannot be completed entirely online. You must:
- Call 1-800-772-1213 to start the process and schedule an interview
- Or visit your nearest SSA office (find one in our state directory)
An SSA representative will conduct an interview by phone or in person. Children applying for SSI can begin online through the Child Disability Report.
What to bring
- Social Security number and birth certificate
- Proof of US citizenship or qualifying immigration status
- Information about your living arrangements and who lives with you
- Income records: pay stubs, tax returns, statements of any benefits you receive
- Resource records: bank statements, vehicle registration, property records
- Medical records if applying based on disability
How long does approval take?
SSI applications based on age (65+) are usually decided within a few weeks. Disability-based SSI claims follow the same medical determination process as SSDI and typically take three to six months.
Frequently asked questions
Will SSI affect my Medicaid?
In most states, SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid. A few states have their own application process. Your SSA representative will explain.
Do my spouse's resources count?
Yes. If you're married and live with your spouse, the SSA considers part of your spouse's income and resources when determining eligibility — even if your spouse is not applying.
Can I work while receiving SSI?
Yes, but most earnings reduce your SSI payment. The SSA offers work incentives designed to help recipients try working without immediately losing benefits.