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 January 2024. These are the maximum amounts the federal government sends each month. Your actual payment may be lower if you have other income or resources, because SSI reduces the payment dollar-for-dollar based on what you earn elsewhere.

The federal amount increases each year in January based on the cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA. The 2024 increase was 3.2 percent from 2023. The 2025 amount will be different, and you can find the current year's figure on the Social Security Administration website or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

These federal amounts are the floor. Many states add their own money on top, called a state supplementary payment. Your total monthly check depends on which state you live in, whether you live in an institution or on your own, and how much other income you have.

Key Takeaways

  • The federal SSI payment for 2024 is $943 per month for one person and $1,415 for a couple, but this amount changes yearly in January.
  • Your actual payment will be lower if you have a job, receive other benefits, or have savings above the resource limit of $2,000 for individuals.
  • About 30 states add supplementary payments on top of the federal amount, ranging from a few dollars to over $200 per month depending on the state.
  • Living in a medical facility, group home, or your own apartment affects your payment amount even within the same state.
  • You can find your specific payment amount by logging into your Social Security account online or calling Social Security directly.

How state supplementary payments change your total

Thirty-one states and Washington, D.C. provide additional money beyond the federal SSI payment. The amount varies widely. Some states add as little as $10 to $20 per month, while others add $100 to $200 or more. California, New York, and Massachusetts are among the states with higher supplementary payments.

A few states—including Florida, Georgia, and Texas—do not provide a state supplement at all. If you live in one of these states, you receive only the federal amount (minus any reductions for other income). If you move to a different state, your payment amount will change to match that state's rules, usually within one or two months.

Some states have different supplementary amounts depending on whether you live independently, with family, or in a group home. You can find your state's specific amounts by contacting your local Social Security office or the state agency that handles SSI supplements—usually the state welfare or human services department.

How your income reduces your SSI payment

SSI counts income from work, pensions, unemployment benefits, and other sources. The program allows you to earn some money without losing your entire payment. For earned income (wages from a job), SSI excludes the first $65 per month plus half of what you earn above that. For unearned income (pensions, interest, other benefits), SSI subtracts the first $20 per month, then reduces your payment dollar-for-dollar for every dollar above that.

If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in addition to SSI, that SSDI payment counts as unearned income and reduces your SSI check. The same applies to veterans' benefits, workers' compensation, and child support. Your Social Security statement will show how much of your payment is being reduced and why.

The income limits change slightly each year along with the COLA adjustment. If your income changes—you get a raise, lose a job, or start receiving a new benefit—report it to Social Security within 10 days so your payment is adjusted correctly.

How resources and savings affect your payment

SSI has a resource limit: you can have no more than $2,000 in countable resources as an individual or $3,000 as a couple. Resources include cash, bank accounts, stocks, and most property you own. If your resources exceed the limit, you become ineligible for SSI entirely until you spend down below the threshold.

Some things do not count toward the resource limit. Your primary home, one vehicle, household goods, and personal items are excluded. Certain retirement accounts and life insurance policies also do not count. If you receive a lump-sum payment—an inheritance, a lawsuit settlement, or back pay—you have a limited time to spend it down or move it into an excluded category before it affects your SSI status.

If you are concerned about a large payment or inheritance, contact your local Social Security office before depositing it. A representative can explain which resources are countable and help you plan how to handle the money without losing your SSI.

Payment timing and how you receive your money

SSI payments are sent on the first day of each month, or on the closest business day if the first falls on a weekend or holiday. You receive the money through direct deposit to a bank account, or by debit card if you do not have a bank account. Social Security no longer issues paper checks for SSI, so you must set up one of these payment methods.

If you are homeless or do not have a bank account, you can receive payments on a prepaid debit card issued by the Social Security Administration. The card works like a regular debit card at ATMs and stores. There are no monthly fees for the card itself, though ATM withdrawals outside the network may have charges.

If your payment is late or does not arrive, check your Social Security account online first to confirm the payment was sent. If it was sent but you did not receive it, contact your bank or debit card issuer. If the payment was not sent at all, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report the problem.

Differences in payment based on living situation

Your SSI payment amount can change based on where you live. If you live in your own home or apartment and pay for food and shelter yourself, you receive the full federal amount (plus any state supplement). If someone else pays for your food or shelter, or if you live in a group home or medical facility, your payment is reduced.

The reduction is called the "in-kind support and maintenance" rule. If a family member provides free food or housing, your SSI payment drops by one-third of the federal benefit rate—about $314 per month in 2024. If you live in a group home or institution where meals and shelter are provided as part of your care, the reduction is different and depends on the facility's arrangement with Social Security.

These rules can be complex, especially if you share housing costs with family members or move between living situations. Ask your Social Security representative to explain how your specific living arrangement affects your payment before making changes.

How to find your exact payment amount

The easiest way to see your SSI payment is to create an account on ssa.gov and log into "my Social Security." Your account shows your current payment amount, the date it will be sent, and a breakdown of any deductions. You can also see your payment history for the past 12 months.

If you do not have an online account, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). A representative can tell you your payment amount and explain any deductions. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person, though calling ahead to schedule an appointment is recommended.

If you receive SSI in a state with a supplementary payment, your state agency may send that portion separately from the federal payment. Check your bank statement or debit card to see both deposits, or contact your state welfare office to confirm the state amount you should be receiving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does SSI payment increase every year?

Yes, the federal SSI amount increases each January based on the cost-of-living adjustment. The increase is the same percentage as Social Security retirement benefits. State supplementary payments may or may not increase each year, depending on the state's budget and laws. Check your Social Security statement in January to see your new amount.

Can I work and still get SSI?

Yes. SSI allows you to earn up to $65 per month without any reduction, then reduces your payment by 50 cents for every dollar you earn above that. If you earn $1,000 per month, your SSI payment would be reduced by about $468. Report your earnings to Social Security within 10 days of starting work so your payment is adjusted correctly.

What happens if I get married while receiving SSI?

Your payment amount changes to the couple rate ($1,415 in 2024) if your spouse also receives SSI or has no income. If your spouse works or receives other income, your payment may be reduced based on their earnings. Report your marriage to Social Security within 10 days so your payment is updated.

Why is my SSI payment less than the federal amount?

Your payment is reduced if you have other income, live with someone who pays for your food or shelter, or have resources above the limit. Check your Social Security statement to see which factor is reducing your payment. If you believe the reduction is wrong, contact Social Security to request a review.

Do I have to report changes in my living situation?

Yes. If you move, change who pays for your food or shelter, or start living with family members, report it to Social Security within 10 days. Changes in living situation can affect your payment amount, and reporting them promptly prevents overpayments that you would have to repay later.