The federal SSI payment amount in 2024
The federal base payment for Supplemental Security Income is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 per month for a couple, as of 2024. These amounts increase each year in January based on cost-of-living adjustments, or COLA. The exact increase varies year to year — it was 3.2% in 2024 — so the dollar amount you receive will change.
Your actual payment may be lower than the federal base if you have other income or resources. SSI counts earned income, unearned income (like Social Security or pensions), and in-kind support (like food or shelter someone gives you for free) against your payment. The program reduces your SSI dollar-for-dollar for most types of income above small monthly exclusions.
Some states add their own supplementary payment on top of the federal amount. These state supplements range from a few dollars to over $200 per month, depending on where you live. A few states do not offer a state supplement at all. Your payment notice will show both the federal portion and any state add-on separately.
Key Takeaways
- The 2024 federal SSI payment is $943 monthly for an individual, but your actual check may be lower if you have other income or resources.
- SSI reduces your payment based on earned income, unearned income, and in-kind support like free food or housing.
- Many states add a supplementary payment on top of the federal amount, ranging from zero to over $200 per month depending on your state.
- Your payment amount increases each January based on the cost-of-living adjustment, which varies year to year.
- The payment you receive is shown on your benefit notice, which breaks out the federal portion and any state supplement separately.
How income and resources reduce your payment
SSI uses a strict income and resource test. You can have no more than $2,000 in countable resources as an individual (or $3,000 as a couple) to receive any payment at all. Resources include cash, bank accounts, stocks, and property — but not your home, one vehicle, or certain personal items.
Income is counted differently depending on the type. If you work, SSI excludes the first $65 per month of earnings plus half of the rest. If you receive Social Security benefits, a pension, or other unearned income, SSI counts it dollar-for-dollar against your payment with no exclusion. If someone gives you food or shelter for free, SSI counts that as in-kind support and reduces your payment by up to one-third of the federal rate.
Your Social Security Administration office calculates your payment based on the income and resources you report. If your circumstances change — you get a job, receive a bonus, inherit money, or move in with someone who feeds you — you must report it within 10 days. Failing to report changes can result in an overpayment you will have to repay.
State supplementary payments and where they differ
Thirty-one states and Washington, D.C. pay a state supplement to SSI recipients. The amount varies widely. California adds $70 per month for an individual; New York adds $87; Massachusetts adds $100. Some states add more than $200. Six states — Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and West Virginia — do not offer a state supplement.
State supplements follow the same income and resource rules as federal SSI. If your federal payment is reduced because of income, your state supplement is reduced by the same percentage. Your benefit notice will show the state amount as a separate line item, and it will be deposited into your account on the same day as your federal payment.
If you move to a different state, your federal SSI payment stays the same, but your state supplement changes. Some states have higher supplements than others, so a move can increase or decrease your total monthly income. Contact your new state's SSI office within 30 days of moving to update your address and find out whether your payment will change.
When and how you receive your payment
SSI payments are deposited directly into a bank account on the first of each month, or the next business day if the first falls on a weekend or holiday. You cannot receive SSI by check or in person — direct deposit is required. If you do not have a bank account, you can use a representative payee account or open a basic checking account at most banks.
Your payment is deposited into whichever account you listed on your SSI application or most recent address change. If you need to change your bank account, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213. Changes typically take effect within one or two pay cycles.
You will receive a benefit notice each year showing your payment amount, the breakdown of federal and state portions, and the income and resources counted against you. If your payment changes during the year — because of a COLA increase, a change in income, or a change in your living situation — you will receive a notice explaining the change.
How SSI payments compare to other disability benefits
SSI is different from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), even though both are run by the Social Security Administration. SSDI is based on your work history and the taxes you or a family member paid into Social Security. SSI is based on financial need, not work history. You can receive both at the same time, but SSI will be reduced by the amount of your SSDI payment.
SSDI has no resource limit and no income exclusions — it counts all your income dollar-for-dollar. SSI has both a $2,000 resource limit and income exclusions for work. SSDI payments are typically higher than SSI, but SSDI ends if you work above a certain threshold. SSI allows you to work and keep more of your earnings through the work incentive rules.
If you receive both SSDI and SSI, your total payment is capped at the federal SSI rate plus any state supplement. This is called the federal benefit rate offset. Your Social Security office will calculate your combined payment and explain it on your benefit notice.
What happens if your payment changes
Your SSI payment can change for several reasons: a COLA increase in January, a change in your income or resources, a change in your living situation, or a change in your state of residence. The Social Security Administration will send you a notice explaining any change and the reason for it. The notice will show your old payment amount and your new payment amount.
If you disagree with a change, you can request a reconsideration within 60 days of the notice. You will need to provide documents showing why you believe the change is wrong — pay stubs if income was miscalculated, bank statements if resources were miscounted, or a lease if your living situation changed. The reconsideration process usually takes 30 to 60 days.
If your payment is reduced and you believe it was done in error, you can ask the Social Security Administration to continue paying you at the old rate while your case is reviewed. This is called a "payment continuation" and protects you from having to repay money if the reduction is later found to be wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SSI count my spouse's income against my payment?
Yes, if you are married and both of you receive SSI, your spouse's income is counted against your payment. If only you receive SSI and your spouse does not, your spouse's income is still counted, but SSI allows a higher income exclusion for a spouse who is not receiving benefits. The exact amount depends on your state.
What if I receive a lump sum, like a tax refund or inheritance?
A lump sum counts as a resource, not income. It is added to your countable resources on the first day of the month you receive it. If the lump sum pushes your resources over $2,000, your SSI payment will stop until your resources fall back below the limit. You must report the lump sum within 10 days of receiving it.
Can my SSI payment be garnished or taken by creditors?
Federal SSI payments cannot be garnished by most creditors. However, the government can offset your SSI to collect unpaid taxes, student loans in default, or child support. If an offset occurs, you will receive a notice explaining it. You can request a hearing to challenge the offset if you believe it was done in error.
What if I work and earn money — how much can I make before my SSI stops?
There is no hard income limit for SSI, but your payment is reduced based on your earnings. SSI excludes the first $65 per month of work income and half of the rest. Once your countable income reaches the federal benefit rate, your SSI payment stops. You can work and still receive SSI as long as you report your earnings and your payment is reduced accordingly.
Do I have to report changes to my living situation?
Yes. If you move, start living with someone new, or someone moves in with you, you must report it within 10 days. Changes in living arrangements can affect whether SSI counts in-kind support against your payment. Failing to report can result in an overpayment.