SSI Benefits
Updated October 2026 · 2026 figures from the Social Security Administration and IRS
SSI benefits (Supplemental Security Income) pay up to $994 a month to an individual and $1,491 to a couple in 2026 (SSA 2026 COLA fact sheet). SSI is for people 65 or older, blind or disabled, with very low income and no more than $2,000 in countable assets ($3,000 for a couple). It doesn't require work history and is paid on the 1st of each month.
Below: who qualifies, how income reduces the payment, what counts as assets, how SSI differs from Social Security, and how to apply.
2026 SSI benefits at a glance
| Maximum federal payment | $994/month individual; $1,491/month couple |
|---|---|
| Asset limit | $2,000 individual; $3,000 couple |
| Who | Age 65+, blind or disabled (adults and children), with limited income and resources |
| Payment day | 1st of the month (earlier if weekend or holiday) — see the payment schedule |
| Health coverage | Medicaid in most states, often automatically |
| Funded by | General tax revenue, not Social Security taxes |
Many states add a supplement on top of the federal amount, so your payment may be higher. SSI rises each January by the same percentage as the Social Security COLA.
SSI vs Social Security (SSDI and retirement)
| SSI | Social Security / SSDI | |
|---|---|---|
| Based on | Financial need | Your work history and taxes paid |
| Asset limit | $2,000 / $3,000 | None |
| Amount | Up to $994 (2026), reduced by other income | Based on earnings record |
| Health insurance | Medicaid | Medicare (at 65, or after 24 months of SSDI) |
| Taxable? | Never | Up to 85%, depending on income |
You can get both: someone with a small Social Security benefit can receive SSI to bring their income up to the SSI level.
How income reduces SSI
SSA subtracts your countable income from the maximum payment:
- The first $20 a month of most income is ignored.
- For wages, the first $65 a month, then half of the rest, is ignored.
- Unearned income (Social Security, pensions) above $20 reduces SSI dollar for dollar.
- Free food or shelter from someone else can reduce SSI by up to about one-third.
Example: with a $600 Social Security benefit and no other income, countable income is $580, so SSI pays $994 − $580 = $414. Total: $1,014 a month.
What counts as assets
Counts toward $2,000
Cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, a second car, property other than your home, the cash value of life insurance if total face value is over $1,500.
Doesn't count
The home you live in, one car, household goods, burial plots, burial funds up to $1,500, ABLE accounts up to $100,000.
How to apply for SSI
- Call 1-800-772-1213 or contact your local office to start; some adults can begin online at ssa.gov.
- Bring proof of age and citizenship or status, bank statements, income records, your lease or mortgage, and medical records if disabled.
- For disability-based SSI, the same medical review as SSDI applies — see the Social Security disability application guide.
- Report changes in income, assets or living arrangements by the 10th of the following month to avoid overpayments.
Source: SSA SSI.
Frequently asked questions
How much is SSI in 2026?
Up to $994 a month for an individual and $1,491 for an eligible couple, before state supplements and reductions for other income.
What is the SSI asset limit?
$2,000 in countable resources for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Your home and one car don't count.
Can I get SSI and Social Security at the same time?
Yes. If your Social Security is low, SSI can make up part of the difference, minus a $20 exclusion.
When is SSI paid?
On the 1st of each month. If the 1st is a weekend or holiday, it's paid the business day before.
Is SSI taxable?
No. SSI payments are not taxable income.