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Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly cash assistance to people with very low incomes who are aged (65+), blind, or have a qualifying disability. SSI helps people meet basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter.
SSI is different from Social Security retirement or disability benefits (SSDI). SSDI is based on a person’s past work and payroll tax contributions. SSI does not require any work history at all – eligibility is based solely on income, resources, and disability or age.
As of 2025, in order to qualify, adults generally cannot have more than $2,000 in countable resources ($3,000 for couples), and must have very limited income: single adults may qualify if they earn under $2,020 per month from work or receive under $988 per month from non-work sources, while married couples applying together must earn under $2,985 per month combined or receive under $1,471 from non-work sources. Certain resources, like a primary home and one vehicle, do not count toward this limit.
To qualify based on disability, an adult must have a medically verified condition that significantly limits their ability to work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Children with disabilities can also receive SSI if their household income is low enough and their disability meets federal criteria.
For 2026, the maximum federal benefit is $994 per month for an individual and $1,491 per month for a couple, though actual payments may be lower depending on income and living arrangements.
