You May Be Eligible for SSI and Social Security Benefits
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: January 16, 2025
This is Part 1 of our ongoing series about our disability programs.
You may be able to get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) even if you already receive Social Security benefits. About 2.5 million adults and children get SSI and Social Security at the same time.
We pay Social Security benefits to workers and their eligible family members based on the worker’s earnings. SSI is a needs-based program that provides payments to people with little or no income and few resources.
Adults and children who meet the SSI income and resource requirements may be eligible for SSI and Social Security disability, retirement, or survivors benefits.
People younger than 65 must be blind or have a qualifying disability and meet SSI income and resource limits, while people 65 and older do not have to have a disability. About 1.4 million people 65 and older receive both SSI and Social Security.
What do we mean by “little or no income”?
In 2025, you may be eligible for SSI if your total income – including your Social Security benefit – is less than $987 per month (the 2025 SSI monthly federal benefit rate plus $20).
We consider income from all non-work sources, including pensions, veterans’ benefits, unemployment, and Social Security disability, retirement, or survivors benefits. We also count some – but not all – earnings from work, including self-employment.
What do we mean by “few resources”?
Resources are things that you own that you could change to cash and use to support yourself. They include vehicles (if you own more than one) and money in bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. To be eligible for SSI, your resources cannot be worth more than:
- $2,000 for a single person.
- $3,000 for a married couple living together.
When we determine your eligibility for SSI, we must consider the income and resources of your spouse if you are married and living together. Income and resource limits may be higher for a parent applying for SSI for a child.
We don’t count all income and resources. For example, we don’t count the house you own if you live in it, and we usually don’t count your car. You can learn more about what we can exclude at Exceptions to SSI income and resource limits.
Visit the SSI webpage to find out if you might be eligible for SSI and learn how to apply. If you have questions about eligibility, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the differences between SSI and Social Security.
Note: People who are eligible for SSI are generally eligible for Medicaid, state-run health coverage. Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, receive Social Security disability benefits, or have kidney disease. It is possible to have both Medicaid and Medicare.
Please share this information with others who may benefit – and post it on social media.
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Tags: Social Security benefits, SSI, supplemental security income
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Utkarsh G.
“Thank you for writing this post! It was exactly what I needed to read today. The way you broke down the process made everything feel so much more achievable. I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed, but now I have a clearer path forward. Keep up the amazing work!”
Jody S.
Why would a person be able to receive SSI when they are perfectly healthy and have been observed doing many different types of work?
J M.
I am on social security my spouse died in 2014 we were married 43 years I don’t understand why I can’t not get his social security as well as mine he worked From 18 till he passed at 62 but since I made more money than him I only get mine
James G.
I am a retired Railroad (Tier I, II) member and have worked in the public sector 20 years after that. With the new SSA guidance, where and how do I apply for reconsideration of SS benefits.
Please use the email below to respond. Thanks.
S.S.
Hello James. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. If you disagree with a decision we’ve made, you can file a request for reconsideration online. If you are unable to file your appeal online, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., or contact your local Social Security office. We hope this is resolved soon.
Jerry
How much money can a person make while on ssi and not lose it?
C.B.
Hi, Jerry. Thanks for using our blog. SSI is generally for individuals who don’t earn more than $2,019 from work each month. The income limit increases for couples and when parents apply for children. We also look at other sources of income besides your job, like disability benefits, unemployment, and pensions. Please check out our publication Working While Disabled: How We Can Help. We hope this information helps.
Melissa F.
I got my disability reinstated but social security did not enroll me into Medicare B or C at the time of reinstatement. I’m being penalized for past premiums. I live on the monthly amount of $829. This month they deducted $666. Now I can’t pay my bills, who can help me.
S.S.
Hi, Melissa. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. To speak with a representative about your benefits, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. We hope this helps.
Angshuman D.
Great post, I really enjoyed the insights you shared. The tips are practical and easy to implement. Looking forward to reading more of your content. Keep up the great work.
C.B.
Thanks for your feedback! We value your opinion of us and look forward to many more years of serving you in the future.
Blairsey
Im over the SSI level by one dollar 988 ? Nothing to live on nothing to save . Bills win I lose enjoyment of life head in sand waiting for the boost talked about YouTube is full of false info needs fact check for sure leading seniors down the last hill .
Jay
If I got on ssi in September and they only give 3 months back pay at a time how long do I need to wait for my next payment
S.S.
Hi, Jay. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. To speak with a representative about your benefits, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. We hope this helps.
DT
Is there not an answer for all cases? If it’s 3 months at a time how is that scheduled?