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SSI

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    updated December 31, 2025
    Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

    The Basics

    If you have a disability, are blind, or are over age 65 and you also have low income and limited resources, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a program run by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

    If you qualify for SSI, you get monthly payments to help you pay for your basic needs, like food, clothing, and shelter. A person who is single can get up to $994 per month in benefits ($1,016 if you're blind). You also get Medicaid health coverage automatically, without having to file a separate application.

    If you get SSI benefits and start working, you'll probably end up better off financially. SSI's rules are designed to help you find work and make sure that your total income will be higher after you get a job.

    This article looks in detail at SSI’s rules for adults ages 18 – 64.

    Don't get SSI mixed up with other programs

    There are three public disability benefits with very similar names:

    • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) gives monthly payments to people with disabilities who qualify because they used to work. Learn more in DB101’s SSDI article.
    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) gives monthly payments to people with disabilities who have low income and low resources. You do not need to have worked in the past to get SSI. SSI is explained in this article.
    • State Supplementary Assistance gives an extra monthly payment to people with disabilities who have low income and low resources and are in certain situations, including living with a dependent. If you get SSI, you may get it, but you may also get it even if you don't get SSI. State Supplementary Assistance is also explained in this article.

    Some people qualify for SSDI, SSI, and State Supplementary Assistance at the same time. If you get benefits from Social Security, but aren’t sure which ones you get, open a free my Social Security account or order a free Benefits Planning Query (BPQY) at your local Social Security office or by calling 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY).

    Get Expert Help

    If you have questions about SSI and need to talk with somebody, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) or visit your local Social Security office.

    If you want to ask about how work might affect your SSI benefits, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). They can refer you to free benefits planning services from Disability Rights Iowa. You can also call Disability Rights Iowa at 1-800-779-2502.

    Learn more

    What Benefits Do I Get?

    How to see which Social Security and state benefits you get.

    Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

    SSDI helps people with disabilities who worked and paid Social Security taxes.

    Disability-Based Medicaid

    There are more ways to qualify for Medicaid if you have a disability.