How To Qualify for Supplemental Security Income

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a benefit for disabled, blind, and elderly people. To qualify, you must have a low income and few assets. SSI gives necessary help to people who may not be able to work or earn a living.

The Social Security and SSI application process can be confusing. Here, we give general information about how to qualify for SSI. For more specific questions about getting SSI, talk to a Social Security disability lawyer.

What Is Supplemental Security Income?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a benefit program providing income support for the disabled, elderly, and blind. SSI gives monthly cash benefits for your basic living needs. The amount you get per month can depend on your income, living arrangements, and other factors.

In 2025, the maximum SSI monthly benefit amount is $967 for one person and $1,450 for couples.

SSI doesn’t require you to pay into the system or buy SSI insurance. Anyone who meets the eligibility requirements can get SSI monthly benefits. In 2022, about 7.5 million people in the U.S. received SSI payments.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers the SSI program. The SSA handles SSI applications, the approval process, and monthly payments. The SSA will interview most SSI applicants to make sure they qualify.

Who Qualifies for SSI Benefits?

SSI is a means-tested program for people with low income and limited resources. There are strict limits for limited income and asset amounts. If you make too much money or have too much in savings, the SSA can deny your claim.

Three groups of people qualify for SSI benefits, including those who are:

• Aged 65 or older
• Blind
• Disabled

To qualify for SSI benefits, you must be disabled under the SSA’s definition of disability. This is a strict definition for medical conditions that qualify as a disability. It must be a long-term or fatal total disability that prevents you from doing work of substantial gainful activity.

If you’re getting Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you have a qualifying disability for SSI purposes.

What Are the Income and Asset Limits for SSI?

The income limit depends on your income sources and whether you have disabled children. Income is job income or non-job income, like pensions or unemployment benefits.

• For one person, the 2025 monthly income limit is $1,950 from work sources
• For couples, the maximum limit for work income is $5,180

Resource limits are for your assets and other things you own. The SSA counts bank accounts, multiple vehicles, and life insurance as resources. The resource limits for SSI are:

• $2,000 for one person
• $3,000 for a married couple

Married people with disabilities can face a marriage penalty for some disability benefits. A couple that doesn’t marry could qualify for benefits with more resources than if they marry.

Can You Get SSI and Social Security?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income are separate benefit programs. But some people can qualify for both. Both programs are available for people who meet the SSA’s disability determination. The primary differences between the two programs are:

• SSDI requires you to pay into the program with payroll Social Security taxes
• SSI has a low income and asset limit with no work credit requirement

Programs for Social Security benefits for retired people have similar distinctions. To get Social Security retirement benefits, you must qualify based on your work record or your spouse’s work history. Older people can qualify for SSI if they meet the income and asset limits but don’t need work credits.

What Medical Care Benefits Are Available?

You likely qualify for many state and federal benefit programs if you meet SSI eligibility. Disabled people getting SSDI benefits can get Medicare coverage for their healthcare needs. Low-income disabled people may also qualify for state Medicaid health coverage.

How Do I Apply for SSI Benefits?

You can apply for SSI benefits online or over the phone. You can also apply for SSI through your local Social Security office. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778.

The SSA will generally schedule an appointment over the phone or in person. You should bring all the necessary documentation to support your SSI claim. This includes tax records, work records, and financial records. The interview process can take one hour or longer.

What Are My Options if My SSI Claim Is Denied?

You can file an appeal if the SSA denies your claim. Many people have their SSI application denied the first time they apply. A denial could be for several reasons. This could include a lack of medical evidence, making too much money, or administrative errors. You can get a Social Security disability lawyer to review your claim and help you gather evidence to get approved.

A Social Security disability lawyer can even represent you in a Social Security hearing to help you get your benefits. Contact a Social Security lawyer for help with your SSI claim.