Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in 2026
SSI gives monthly cash to people who have little income and are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability. It's run by Social Security, but it's separate from regular Social Security retirement benefits — you don't need a work history to get it.
SSI pays up to $994 a month for one person ($1,491 when both spouses are eligible) in 2026, if you're 65+, blind, or disabled and have low income and few assets. Getting SSI usually also gets you Medicaid.
Who qualifies
To get SSI, you must have limited income and resources, and meet one of these:
- Be age 65 or older, or
- Be blind, or
- Have a disability that meets Social Security's adult standard: a medically determinable condition prevents substantial gainful work and is expected to last at least 12 continuous months or result in death. Children have a separate disability standard.
Countable resources must be no more than $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. The home you live in and one vehicle used for household transportation are generally excluded. Social Security also checks residence, citizenship or qualifying noncitizen status, and other eligibility rules.
ⓘ 2026 SSI payment amounts
From January 2026, the federal maximum is $994 a month for an eligible individual and $1,491 for an eligible individual with an eligible spouse, following a 2.8% cost-of-living increase. State supplements may add support. Countable income and living arrangements can reduce the payment.
SSI and Medicaid
In most states, an SSI application also serves as a Medicaid application, and SSI recipients may be automatically eligible. Other states require you to apply separately and meet their Medicaid rules. Ask Social Security which process applies, then confirm enrollment and your coverage start date with Medicaid.
How to apply
- Start with Social Security. Start at SSA.gov to see the online options for your situation, or call 1-800-772-1213 to apply or request an appointment. Help with the application is free.
- Gather your information. Income, assets, living situation, and — for a disability claim — medical records and doctor information.
- Complete the disability review if needed. For disability-based SSI, your medical condition is reviewed. This can take several months.
- Get a decision. SSI generally cannot pay for the application month: the earliest payable month is the month after filing or after you first meet all requirements, whichever is later. An approval after a delay may include amounts owed for eligible months. A denial notice explains your appeal rights and deadline; normally you have 60 days after receiving it.
Source: Apply for SSI — Social Security Administration
Review sources: SSA: 2026 amounts; SSA: eligibility and resources; SSA: Medicaid; SSA: first payable month; SSA: appeals.
Find your next step
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Explore benefitsCommon questions
Is SSI the same as Social Security or SSDI?
No. Regular Social Security and SSDI are based on your work history. SSI is based on need — low income and resources — and doesn't require a work history. Some people receive both SSI and Social Security.
Will SSI give me Medicaid too?
In most states, your SSI application also serves as a Medicaid application and you may be automatically eligible. Other states require a separate application. Confirm enrollment and the coverage start date with the agency.
How long does an SSI decision take?
Timing depends on the claim and the records needed. Disability cases require medical review and can take several months. Keep your contact details current, answer requests by their deadlines, and read any denial notice for appeal instructions.
Can children get SSI?
A child who meets Social Security's disability and financial rules may receive SSI. Part of the income and resources of parents living with the child may count under special rules; Social Security determines the amount.
Last updated September 8, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Programs change — always confirm with the agency before you apply.