SSP payment amounts vary by state and household size
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program, but most states add their own money on top of it—that extra payment is called a state supplementary payment, or SSP. The federal SSI amount is the same everywhere, but the SSP part changes depending on which state you live in and how many people depend on your income.
The federal SSI payment for 2024 is $943 per month for an individual with no other income. Some states add $10 to $100 per month; others add nothing. A handful of states—California, Massachusetts, New York, and a few others—add $70 to $150 or more. If you live with a spouse or depend on someone else's income, your payment may be lower.
The exact amount you receive depends on three things: the federal SSI base, your state's SSP addition, your living situation, and whether you have other income. You can find your state's current SSP amount on the Social Security Administration website or by calling your local Social Security office.
Key Takeaways
- The federal SSI payment is $943 per month in 2024, but your state may add between $0 and $150 or more depending on where you live.
- Your actual payment is reduced dollar-for-dollar if you have other income, such as wages, pensions, or unemployment benefits.
- If you live with a spouse or in someone else's household, your SSI payment is lower than the individual rate.
- Social Security sends SSI and SSP together in one monthly deposit, usually on the 3rd of the month or the first business day after.
- Payment amounts are adjusted each January based on the cost-of-living increase, so your amount may go up slightly each year.
How your state's SSP amount is set
Each state decides whether to add money to the federal SSI payment and how much. Some states have chosen not to add anything—those states are called "SSI-only" states. Other states add a small amount, and a few high-cost states add substantially more.
States that add the most include California (which adds around $70 to $150 depending on living situation), Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey. States that add nothing include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia. Most other states add between $10 and $50.
Your state's SSP amount does not change based on your income or household size in the same way the federal payment does. Instead, the state sets a maximum amount, and you receive that amount minus any other income you have. If you move to a different state, your payment will change to match that state's rules.
How income reduces your SSP and SSI payment
If you earn money from work, receive a pension, or have other income, your SSI and SSP payment goes down. Social Security counts most types of income, but not all of it.
The first $65 of monthly earnings from work is not counted, and half of anything you earn above that is also not counted. For example, if you earn $200 per month, Social Security ignores the first $65, counts half of the remaining $135 (which is $67.50), and reduces your payment by $67.50. Other income—such as pensions, unemployment, or child support—is counted dollar-for-dollar, with no exclusion.
Certain types of income are not counted at all: food, shelter provided by someone else, most gifts, and some in-kind support. If you are unsure whether something counts as income, ask your local Social Security office before you report it.
Living situation and household composition
If you live alone and pay your own rent or mortgage, you receive the full individual SSI and SSP amount. If you live with a spouse who also receives SSI, you each receive a reduced "couple" rate. If you live in someone else's household and they provide you with food or shelter, your payment is reduced by up to one-third of the federal SSI amount.
The reduction for living in someone else's household is called "in-kind support and maintenance," or ISM. It applies whether the person is a family member or not. If you pay rent to the person you live with, even a small amount, the reduction may not apply—Social Security looks at whether you are actually paying your share.
If you are homeless or live in a shelter, you may receive a higher payment. Some states have separate SSP amounts for people in different living situations. Check with your local Social Security office about your specific situation.
Cost-of-living adjustments each January
Every January, Social Security increases the federal SSI payment by a percentage based on inflation. This is called a cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA. Most states automatically increase their SSP amount by the same percentage, though a few states have different rules.
In 2024, the COLA was 3.2 percent. In 2023, it was 8.7 percent. The amount varies each year depending on how much prices rose. You do not have to do anything to receive the increase—it happens automatically in your January payment.
Some states have a "pass-through" rule, which means they increase their SSP by the full COLA amount. Other states have a "maintenance of effort" rule, which means they increase SSP by a smaller amount or not at all if the federal increase is large. A few states have frozen their SSP amount and do not increase it at all. Your state's rules determine whether you see the full benefit of the COLA.
When and how you receive your payment
Social Security deposits SSI and SSP together into your bank account or onto a debit card on the same day each month. Most people receive their payment on the 3rd of the month, but if the 3rd falls on a weekend or holiday, the deposit comes on the first business day before. Some people on SSI receive their payment on a different date based on their birth date—Social Security staggered payments to spread the workload.
You can check your payment date and amount by logging into your Social Security account at ssa.gov, calling 1-800-772-1213, or visiting your local Social Security office. If your payment does not arrive on the expected date, wait one business day and check your bank account again. If it still has not arrived after two business days, contact Social Security.
What to do if your payment amount seems wrong
If you believe your SSI or SSP payment is incorrect, the first step is to gather your recent Social Security statements and any income documentation you have. Then contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to ask for a payment review.
Social Security will look at your income, living situation, and state of residence to verify the amount. If an error is found, Social Security will correct it and may owe you back pay. If you disagree with Social Security's decision, you can request a reconsideration, which means a different Social Security employee will review your case. This process usually takes 60 to 90 days.
Keep records of all income you report and any changes in your living situation. If you move, change your mailing address, or start or stop working, report it to Social Security within 10 days. Reporting changes on time helps prevent payment errors and overpayments that you would have to repay later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my SSP payment change if I move to a different state?
Yes. Your payment will change to match your new state's SSP rules. Some states add more than others, so your total payment may go up or down. Contact Social Security in your new state within 30 days of moving to update your address and ensure your payment is correct.
What counts as income for SSI purposes?
Wages, pensions, unemployment benefits, and child support all count as income. The first $65 of monthly work earnings is excluded, and half of earnings above that are excluded. Food and shelter provided by someone else, most gifts, and some in-kind support do not count. Ask Social Security if you are unsure about a specific type of income.
Can I receive SSP if I live with my adult child?
You can receive SSP, but your payment will be reduced if your child provides you with food or shelter. The reduction is up to one-third of the federal SSI amount. If you pay rent to your child, even a small amount, the reduction may not apply. Social Security will determine the reduction based on your actual living arrangement.
When will my payment increase for 2025?
Social Security will announce the 2025 COLA in October 2024, and the increase will take effect in January 2025. The exact percentage depends on inflation data from the previous year. You will see the new amount in your January payment—no action is needed on your part.
What should I do if my SSP payment stops?
Contact Social Security immediately. Payments can stop if you have unreported income, moved without updating your address, or became ineligible for some other reason. Social Security can tell you why the payment stopped and what you need to do to restore it. If the reason is an error, back pay may be owed to you.