The federal SSI payment amount for 2024

The maximum federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple, as of January 2024. This is the highest amount the federal government will pay; your actual payment may be lower depending on your income, resources, and living situation. The federal amount increases each year in January based on cost-of-living adjustments, so these figures will change in 2025.

Not everyone receives the maximum. If you have other income—wages, pensions, Social Security benefits—your SSI payment is reduced. If you own resources worth more than $2,000 (or $3,000 for a couple), you are not paid at all. The reduction formula is straightforward: SSI subtracts your other income dollar-for-dollar after a small exclusion, so a person earning $200 a month in wages receives roughly $743 instead of $943.

Key Takeaways

  • The maximum federal SSI payment is $943 monthly for individuals and $1,415 for couples in 2024, but most recipients receive less because of other income or resources.
  • Your actual payment depends on your earned income, unearned income (like Social Security), and countable resources, all of which reduce the federal amount.
  • Many states add supplementary payments on top of the federal amount, ranging from a few dollars to over $100 per month depending on where you live.
  • The federal amount increases each January; your state supplement may increase on a different schedule or not at all.
  • Your payment is recalculated whenever your income or living situation changes, so reporting changes quickly prevents overpayments you would have to repay.

How state supplements change the picture

Twenty-eight states and Washington, D.C. pay a state supplement on top of the federal amount. These vary widely: some add $10 to $30 per month, while others add $75 to $150 or more. California, New York, and Massachusetts have among the highest supplements. A few states—including Texas, Florida, and Georgia—do not pay a state supplement at all, so recipients in those states receive only the federal amount.

State supplements are not automatic. You must live in a state that offers one, and you must meet that state's specific rules, which sometimes differ from federal SSI rules. Some states require you to have lived there for a certain period. Others have different income limits or resource limits. Your local Social Security office or your state's human services department can tell you whether you receive a state supplement and how much it is.

What reduces your payment month to month

Your SSI payment is not fixed. It changes whenever your circumstances change. If you start working, your payment drops. If you receive a bonus or inheritance, your payment may stop temporarily or permanently depending on the amount. If you move in with someone else, your payment may be reduced under "in-kind support and maintenance" rules. If you get married, your payment recalculates as part of a couple.

The most common reduction is earned income. The first $65 of monthly wages is excluded, and then half of the remainder is subtracted from your SSI. So if you earn $200 a month, only $135 counts against you ($200 minus $65 excluded, leaving $135; half of that is $67.50 subtracted from SSI). Unearned income—Social Security, pensions, gifts—is subtracted dollar-for-dollar after a $20 monthly exclusion.

Reporting changes late or not at all is the most common mistake. If you fail to report income and Social Security overpays you, you must repay the overpayment, sometimes from future checks. Report changes to your local Social Security office or online through your my Social Security account within 10 days.

Living situation and in-kind support

Where you live affects your payment. If you live in your own household and pay your own food and shelter costs, you receive the full amount (minus income reductions). If someone else pays part of your food or shelter—a parent, a friend, a family member—your payment is reduced by up to one-third of the federal rate, currently about $314 per month.

This rule applies even if the person paying does not intend to support you. If your parent pays the mortgage and you live there, it counts. If you live with a friend and they pay the utilities, it counts. The reduction is called "in-kind support and maintenance." It does not explore to medical care, education, or items like clothing or furniture—only food and shelter.

If you live in an institution—a nursing home, a group home, a hospital—your payment is typically reduced to $30 to $50 per month, depending on the state and the type of facility. The institution usually bills Medicaid or another payer for your care, and SSI becomes a small personal allowance.

How to find your exact payment amount

Your Social Security statement shows your current payment and explains any reductions. You can view it online through my Social Security at ssa.gov, or call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative. Your statement lists your federal amount, any state supplement, and the reason for any reduction.

If you disagree with the amount, you can request a detailed explanation. Social Security must show you how they calculated your income, resources, and living situation. If you believe an error was made, you can ask for reconsideration within 60 days of receiving the notice. Keep records of your income, expenses, and living arrangements so you can support your case.

Payment timing and how you receive it

SSI payments are made on the first, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month, depending on your birth date. You receive the payment by direct deposit to a bank account or by a prepaid debit card issued by Social Security. Direct deposit is faster and safer than paper checks.

If you are unable to manage your own money, Social Security can appoint a representative payee—usually a family member, a social worker, or an organization—to receive and manage your payment on your behalf. The payee must use the money for your current maintenance and best interests and must report how it was spent each year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work and still get SSI?

Yes. The first $65 of monthly earnings is not counted, and then half of the rest is subtracted from your SSI. If you earn $200 a month, your SSI drops by about $67.50, not $200. Many people combine part-time work with SSI to increase their total income. Report your earnings to Social Security within 10 days of starting work.

What happens if I inherit money?

If you inherit more than $2,000, you become ineligible for SSI until you spend the inheritance down below $2,000. Some inheritances can be protected if they are placed in a special needs trust or an ABLE account before you receive them. Talk to a lawyer or a benefits counselor before accepting an inheritance if you receive SSI.

Do I get a raise when the cost-of-living adjustment happens?

Yes, the federal amount increases each January. If you also receive a state supplement, it may increase at the same time or on a different schedule depending on your state. Some states tie their supplement to the federal increase; others set their own schedule. Your Social Security statement will show the new amount in December or early January.

What if I move to a different state?

Your federal SSI payment stays the same. If you move to a state with a higher supplement, your payment increases. If you move to a state with a lower supplement or no supplement, your payment decreases. Some states have waiting periods before you become may be able to access for their supplement. Contact your new state's human services department to find out when your supplement begins.

How much can I have in savings without losing SSI?

You can have up to $2,000 in countable resources ($3,000 for a couple). Some resources do not count: your home, one vehicle, household goods, personal items, and money in an ABLE account (up to $100,000). If you have more than the limit in countable resources, you are ineligible until you spend it down.