What can you tell me about the SSI program and the eligibility requirements for older adults?

The SSI program, which stands for Supplemental Security Income, is a program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that provides monthly cash benefits to people that are disabled or over age 65 based on financial need.

Currently, around 7.5 million people are receiving SSI benefits, but many more are now eligible as the SSA recently expanded access to benefits by modifying some of the rules. Here is what you should know.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for SSI, an applicant must be age 65 or older, blind or disabled, and a U.S. citizen or lawful resident. Recipients must also have limited income and assets.

Individual income must generally be under $1,971 per month, or $2,915 for couples. Countable income includes wages, pension payments, unemployment, Social Security benefits or gifts from friends. In-kind distributions such as free food or shelter are also included.

Assets must also be less than $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples. This includes cash, bank accounts, other personal property, and any asset that could potentially be converted to cash. A personal residence, household goods and one vehicle, along with life insurance policies and burial funds valued under $1,500, do not count towards countable assets.

In 2024, the maximum SSI payment is $943 a month for an individual or $1,415 a month for a couple. However, the amount a recipient receives in SSI benefits may be reduced based on income, living situation and some other factors.

To help determine whether an applicant is eligible for SSI, the Social Security Administration’s benefits screening test is available at SSAbest.benefits.gov. This online questionnaire takes approximately five minutes to complete and screens for a variety of benefits, not just SSI.

It is important to note that most states – except Arizona, Arkansas, Mississippi, North Dakota, Tennessee and West Virginia – supplement the federal SSI payment with payments of their own. In some of the states that pay a supplement, an applicant may qualify for the state payment even if they do not meet the federal SSI eligibility criteria.

How to Apply

If an applicant believes they may be eligible for SSI, they can begin the application process and complete a large part of it online at SSA.gov/apply/ssi. If the applicant is disabled, they can apply for both SSI and Social Security Disability at SSA.gov/disability. An applicant may also call 800-772-1213 and set up an appointment with their local Social Security office.

To expedite the application process, applicants should have their Social Security number, birth certificate or other proof of age readily available. Information about the home where they live, such as a mortgage or lease with the landlord’s name is also required. Payroll slips, bank books, insurance policies, burial fund records and other information about the applicant’s income and assets may also be needed. In addition, proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen status is necessary. If they are applying for SSI because they are disabled or blind, the names, addresses and telephone numbers of doctors, hospitals and clinics that have information related to their condition will also need to be provided.

For more information visit SSA.gov/ssi or see Social Security’s online SSI publication at SSA.gov/pubs/EN-05-11000.pdf.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.