Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

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What is SSI?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly payments to people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled, and who have limited income and resources. Unlike Social Security, SSI is funded by general U.S. tax revenues—not payroll taxes.

In states like California, additional cash assistance is available through the State Supplemental Payment (SSP) program.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for SSI, you must:

Be 65 or older, or blind, or have a qualifying disability
Have limited income (including wages, pensions, or Social Security benefits)
Have limited assets (like cash, bank accounts, or property)
Be a U.S. citizen or a qualifying non-citizen
Live in the U.S. or Northern Mariana Islands

If you’re eligible for Social Security or other benefits, you must apply for those too. You can receive both SSI and Social Security at the same time, if eligible.

Financial Eligibility: What Counts?

Income includes:

Wages or earnings
Social Security or pension payments
Free food, housing, or assistance from others

Assets include:

Cash, savings, and bank accounts
Real estate (other than your home)
Stocks, bonds, and personal property

There are limits on how much income and how many assets you can have and still qualify. Certain items, like your primary home and car, may not count toward the limits.

Where You Live Matters

Your living arrangement affects your SSI eligibility and payment amount. You may not qualify for full SSI payments if you live in:

Public institutions (e.g., county rest homes, halfway houses)
Facilities where Medicaid doesn’t pay at least half of your care

Exceptions: You may still qualify for SSI if you live in:

A public/private facility where Medicaid pays more than half your care
A publicly operated community residence serving 16 or fewer people
A public institution primarily for education or job training
A homeless shelter (eligibility limited to a short period each month)

How to Apply for SSI

You can apply:

By phone: Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213
In person: Visit your local Social Security office
Online: www.ssa.gov/ssi

What to bring:

Social Security card
Birth certificate
Proof of residence (e.g., lease, mortgage, landlord’s info)
Recent pay stubs, bank records, insurance policies, and car registration
Any documents showing income or assets

All documents must be originals or certified copies.

SSI, Medicaid, and Medicare

If you qualify for SSI, you may also be eligible for:

Medicaid (in California, known as Medi-Cal)
SNAP/CalFresh (food assistance)
Help with Medicare premiums and costs

In California, SSI recipients are automatically eligible for Medi-Cal. If you’re already receiving Medicare, California may also help pay your premiums, deductibles, and copays through the Medicare Savings Program.

Ask Social Security for:
“Medicare Savings for Qualified Beneficiaries” (HCFA Publication No. 02184)

How Much Will I Receive?

SSI is meant to supplement your income up to a federal minimum level, which may be increased in states like California.

The actual payment depends on:

Your living arrangement
Your other sources of income
Whether you’re single or part of a couple

To get the most accurate information about your possible benefits, contact Social Security directly or request a copy of:
“The Red Book: A Guide to Work Incentives for People with Disabilities”

SSI/SSP in Residential Care (RCFE)

If you’re living in a licensed Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE), there’s a special SSI/SSP Board and Care rate available.

As of January 2017:

An individual can receive up to $1,158.37/month
- $1,026.37 goes to the facility
- $132.00 remains for the resident’s personal needs
A couple in the same RCFE can receive $2,316.74/month
- $2,052.74 goes to the facility
- $264.00 remains for the couple

Important:
Due to low reimbursement rates, fewer facilities accept SSI/SSP residents. Facilities may ask families to contribute directly for additional care beyond basic room, board, and medication distribution.

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