The federal SSI payment amount for 2024

The maximum federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 per month for a couple, as of January 2024. This is the highest amount the federal government will pay you under Supplemental Security Income. The actual payment you receive may be lower if you have other income or resources, or if your state adds its own supplement on top of the federal amount.

These numbers change once a year, usually in January, based on the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The adjustment reflects inflation from the previous year. If you receive SSI, you will see the new amount in your benefit letter each December, showing what you will receive starting in January.

The federal maximum applies in every state, but some states add their own money on top of it. That means your total monthly payment could be higher than the federal maximum if you live in a state with a supplementary program.

Key Takeaways

  • The federal SSI maximum is $943 per month for one person and $1,415 per month for a married couple as of 2024.
  • Your actual payment will be lower if you have income from work, pensions, or other sources, because SSI counts that income against your benefit.
  • Some states pay additional money on top of the federal amount, so your total could exceed the federal maximum depending on where you live.
  • The federal maximum increases once per year in January when the cost-of-living adjustment takes effect.

How your actual payment is calculated

SSI starts with the federal maximum and subtracts your other income. If you work, SSI counts your wages. If you receive a pension, Social Security, or unemployment benefits, those count too. The program does not count all of it equally — it has rules about what counts and how much of it reduces your SSI.

For work income, SSI uses the "plan to achieve self-support" (PASS) rules, which let you set aside some earnings for a specific work goal without losing benefits. But if you have no work plan, SSI counts roughly half of your monthly wages after the first $65, which is excluded entirely.

If you have resources — savings, property, or other assets — SSI has a resource limit. For an individual, the limit is $2,000. For a couple, it is $3,000. Money above that limit can make you ineligible for SSI entirely, though certain assets do not count toward the limit, such as your home and one vehicle.

State supplementary payments and how they work

Twenty-three states and Washington D.C. run their own supplementary payment programs that add money to the federal SSI amount. These state supplements vary widely. Some states add only a small amount — $10 to $50 per month. Others add substantially more, bringing the total payment to $1,100 or higher per month.

California, New York, and Massachusetts have among the highest state supplements. If you move to a different state, your payment will change because the state supplement changes. Some states only pay the supplement if you live in a specific county or meet additional state rules.

The state supplement is not automatic — you do not receive it just because you get federal SSI. You must meet your state's rules to receive it, and in some cases you must request it separately. Contact your state's SSI program office to learn whether your state has a supplement and what you need to do to receive it.

What reduces your SSI payment

Income is the main reason your payment is lower than the maximum. SSI counts earned income (wages from work), unearned income (pensions, Social Security, unemployment), and in-kind income (food or shelter someone gives you for free). Each type has different rules about how much reduces your benefit.

In-kind support and maintenance — when someone provides you with food or housing without charging you — reduces your SSI by up to one-third of the federal maximum. If you live with family members who pay for your food and rent, SSI may count that as income and lower your payment.

Certain income does not count at all. The first $20 of any unearned income per month is excluded. The first $65 of earned income per month is excluded, plus half of anything above that. Gifts and loans do not count as income. Some benefits, like food stamps (SNAP) and housing vouchers, do not count either.

How to find your state's supplement amount

Your state's SSI program office publishes the current supplement amount each year. You can find it by contacting your local Social Security office or your state's disability services agency. Many states post the amount on their website under "SSI" or "supplementary payments."

If you receive SSI, your benefit letter shows your federal payment and any state supplement separately. The letter also explains what income or resources reduced your payment that month. If the numbers do not match what you expected, the letter should say why.

The easiest way to confirm your state's supplement is to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask what the current maximum is for your state. They can also tell you whether you are receiving your state's supplement and why, if you are not.

When the maximum payment changes

The federal maximum increases in January each year if there has been inflation. The increase is tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures how prices change across the economy. If inflation was low or zero, the maximum may not increase that year.

In years with no COLA increase, your payment stays the same as the previous year. This happened in 2016, 2017, and 2019. In other years, the increase has ranged from less than 1 percent to more than 8 percent, depending on inflation.

State supplements may increase at the same time, or on a different schedule, depending on the state. Some states tie their supplement to the federal COLA. Others set their own increase or keep the supplement flat. Check with your state program to understand how its supplement changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I get the full $943 if I am approved for SSI?

Not necessarily. The $943 is the maximum, but your actual payment depends on your income and resources. If you work, receive other benefits, or have savings above the resource limit, your payment will be lower. Many people receive less than the maximum because of these factors.

Does my state's supplement get added automatically?

Not always. Some states add it automatically once you are approved for federal SSI. Others require you to request it or meet additional state rules. Contact your state's SSI office to confirm whether you are receiving any state supplement and what you need to do to get it.

What happens to my SSI if I get a job?

Your SSI will likely decrease, but you will not lose it entirely unless your earnings are very high. SSI excludes the first $65 of monthly earnings and counts half of the rest. If you earn $200 per month, roughly $100 of that reduces your SSI. You can work and receive SSI at the same time in most cases.

Can I keep my SSI if I have savings?

Only if your savings stay below $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. Money above that limit makes you ineligible for SSI. Some assets do not count toward the limit, such as your home, one vehicle, and certain work-related items. Ask Social Security which of your assets count.

Do I need to report changes in my income to Social Security?

Yes. If your income changes — you start a job, get a raise, receive a pension, or lose a source of income — you must report it to Social Security. They use this information to recalculate your payment. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments that you may have to repay later.