What SSI pays each month

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a monthly cash payment from Social Security. The amount you receive depends on your living situation and your income from other sources — not on your work history or how long you've worked.

In 2024, the federal base amount is $943 per month for an individual living independently, and $1,415 for a couple. Many states add money on top of the federal amount, so your actual payment may be higher. Your state's addition varies based on where you live and whether you're in a group living situation or an institution.

SSI reduces your payment dollar-for-dollar if you have other income. If you earn wages from work, Social Security excludes the first $65 per month plus half of what you earn above that. If you receive other benefits — unemployment, workers' compensation, pensions — those typically reduce your SSI payment by the full amount.

Key Takeaways

  • The federal SSI payment in 2024 starts at $943 monthly for individuals, but your state may add more depending on where you live.
  • SSI counts most income against your payment, including wages, other benefits, and support from family members, reducing what you receive dollar-for-dollar.
  • Work incentives allow you to earn the first $65 per month without losing any SSI, plus keep half of earnings above that threshold.
  • Your actual monthly amount depends on your state, your living arrangement, and what other income or resources you have.

How your state affects your payment

The federal government sets a minimum SSI payment, but 34 states and Washington D.C. add their own money to it. These state supplements range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars per month. A person receiving SSI in California, for example, receives more than someone in a state with no supplement.

Some states only pay the federal amount. Others pay different amounts depending on whether you live alone, with family, or in a group home. A few states tie their supplement to the cost of living in different regions within the state. You can find your state's current rate by contacting your local Social Security office or checking the Social Security Administration website.

How other income reduces your SSI payment

SSI is a needs-based program, which means the more money you have from other sources, the less you receive. Social Security counts earned income (wages from a job), unearned income (pensions, unemployment, child support), and in-kind support (food or shelter someone gives you for free).

If you work, the first $65 you earn each month is not counted. After that, Social Security counts half of your remaining earnings. So if you earn $200 per month, you keep the first $65, and $67.50 of the remaining $135 is counted as income. Your SSI payment drops by that $67.50. This is called the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) when you're using work earnings strategically, though PASS requires a separate written plan.

Unearned income — such as a pension, Social Security retirement benefits, or unemployment — typically reduces your SSI dollar-for-dollar. If you receive $300 in unemployment benefits, your SSI payment drops by $300. The first $20 of unearned income per month is excluded, so small amounts of other benefits may not affect you.

Resources and how they affect your payment

SSI also has a resource limit: you cannot have more than $2,000 in countable resources as an individual, or $3,000 as a couple. Resources include cash, bank accounts, stocks, and property you own. Your home and one vehicle are not counted. Once you go over the limit, you lose SSI entirely until your resources drop back down.

Some resources don't count toward the limit. These include your primary residence, one vehicle, household goods, personal effects, and certain savings accounts set up specifically for disability work incentives. If you receive a lump-sum payment — an inheritance, a court settlement, or back pay from a benefit — you have a limited time to spend it down or move it into a non-countable account before it affects your SSI.

In-kind support and living arrangements

If someone gives you food or shelter for free, Social Security counts that as income. This is called in-kind support and maintenance (ISM). If your parent lets you live in their home rent-free and feeds you, Social Security may reduce your SSI payment by up to one-third of the federal base rate.

The reduction depends on your living situation. If you pay rent to your parent or another household member, even a small amount, that payment may prevent the reduction. If you live in a group home or institution, the rules are different — the reduction is typically smaller or does not explore. Understanding how your specific living arrangement affects your payment requires a conversation with your local Social Security office, because the rules vary based on who provides the support and how.

Work incentives that protect your income

Social Security offers several programs designed to let you work without when ready losing all your SSI. The Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) program lets you deduct the cost of items or services you need because of your disability — such as a personal assistant, medication, or transportation — before your earnings are counted. If you need a personal assistant to work, the cost of that assistant is subtracted from your wages first.

The Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) lets you set aside income and resources for a specific work goal without them counting against your SSI. If you're saving to start a business or pay for job training, a PASS plan can protect that money. You must have a written plan approved by Social Security, and it typically lasts one to two years.

The Student Earned Income Exclusion lets students under 22 exclude up to $2,170 per month in wages (in 2024) without it affecting SSI. These programs exist specifically to encourage work, so ask your Social Security representative whether any of them fit your situation.

What happens if your circumstances change

Your SSI payment changes when your income, resources, or living situation changes. If you start a job, your payment may drop but not disappear — the work incentives described above protect part of your earnings. If you move in with family, your payment may drop because of in-kind support. If you receive a one-time payment like a tax refund, you have a window to spend it or move it to a protected account.

You are required to report changes to Social Security within 10 days. Changes include starting or stopping work, moving, getting married, having someone move in or out of your home, or receiving money from any source. Reporting late can result in an overpayment — money you received that you were not supposed to get — which Social Security will ask you to repay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work and still receive SSI?

Yes. The first $65 you earn per month is not counted, and half of earnings above that are not counted. Work incentives like IRWE and PASS can protect even more of your income. Many people on SSI work part-time or full-time and continue receiving a reduced payment.

What if I get a lump-sum payment like an inheritance or settlement?

Lump-sum payments count as resources and can push you over the $2,000 limit, stopping your SSI. You have a limited time to spend the money or move it into a non-countable account — such as an ABLE account or a special needs trust. Contact Social Security when ready if you receive a large one-time payment.

Does my family's income affect my SSI payment?

No. SSI only counts your own income and resources, not your family's. However, if your family provides you with free food or shelter, that in-kind support may reduce your payment by up to one-third of the federal base rate.

How often does the SSI payment amount change?

The federal base amount increases each January based on cost-of-living adjustments. State supplements may also change. Your individual payment can change any month if your income, resources, or living situation changes, so report changes to Social Security within 10 days.

What if I disagree with the amount I'm receiving?

Request a detailed payment calculation from your local Social Security office. They can explain how your income and resources were counted. If you believe an error was made, you can file a written request for reconsideration within 60 days of the decision.