SSI Benefits Calculator
Estimate your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — the safety-net program for low-income seniors, disabled, and blind individuals.
Personal Information
Monthly Income & Resources
Wages, self-employment income
Social Security, pensions, annuities, etc.
Bank accounts, stocks, cash. Excludes home, one car, personal items.
You May Be Eligible for SSI
How Your Benefit Is Calculated
| Step | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum SSI rate (individual) | $1,164 | Federal $967 + State $197 |
| Unearned income | $200 | SS benefits, pensions |
| After exclusion → countable unearned | $180 | $20 general exclusion applied first to unearned |
| Estimated monthly SSI benefit | $984 | Max rate minus countable income |
SSI by State (with State Supplements)
| State | State Supplement | Total Maximum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $197 | $1,164 | SSP (State Supplementary Payment) — one of the highest |
| Connecticut | $149 | $1,116 | State supplement — among the highest |
| Massachusetts | $131 | $1,098 | State supplement for living independently |
| New York | $87 | $1,054 | SSP living alone |
| Washington | $63 | $1,030 | State supplement |
| Nevada | $50 | $1,017 | State supplement |
| Pennsylvania | $33 | $1,000 | State supplement |
| New Jersey | $42 | $1,009 | State supplement |
| All other states | — | $967 | No state supplement — federal benefit only |
12-Month Benefit Projection
| Month | Monthly | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | $984 | $984 |
| Feb 2026 | $984 | $1,968 |
| Mar 2026 | $984 | $2,952 |
| Apr 2026 | $984 | $3,936 |
| May 2026 | $984 | $4,920 |
| Jun 2026 | $984 | $5,904 |
| Jul 2026 | $984 | $6,888 |
| Aug 2026 | $984 | $7,872 |
| Sep 2026 | $984 | $8,856 |
| Oct 2026 | $984 | $9,840 |
| Nov 2026 | $984 | $10,824 |
| Dec 2026 | $984 | $11,808 |
SSI Tips & Next Steps
- 1.Your estimated SSI benefit is $984/month ($11,808/year) including any state supplement.
- 2.California provides a $197/month state supplement on top of the federal SSI rate.
- 3.SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid in most states. Apply for SSI at your local Social Security office or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
This is an estimate based on 2026 projected SSI rates and general SSA rules. Actual benefit amounts depend on your complete financial situation and SSA review. Apply at SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
What Is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
SSI is a federal program that provides monthly cash payments to people with limited income and resources who are age 65 or older, blind, or disabled. Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), SSI is not based on your work history — it's a needs-based program funded by general tax revenue, not Social Security taxes. In 2026, the maximum federal SSI payment is $967/month for an individual and $1,450/month for an eligible couple. Some states add their own supplement on top.
SSI recipients also automatically qualify for Medicaid in most states, making it a critical lifeline for healthcare coverage. About 7.4 million Americans receive SSI benefits.
2026 SSI Payment Rates
| Recipient Type | Federal Rate (Monthly) | Annual Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $967 | $11,604 |
| Eligible couple (both on SSI) | $1,450 | $17,400 |
| Essential person | $484 | $5,808 |
| Individual in institution | $30 | $360 |
SSI Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age, blindness, or disability | Must be 65+, legally blind, or have a qualifying disability |
| Income limit | Countable income must be below the federal benefit rate ($967/mo for individuals) |
| Resource limit | $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples |
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. citizen or qualifying non-citizen |
| Residency | Must live in the U.S. or Northern Mariana Islands |
How SSI Counts Your Income
SSI doesn't count all your income dollar-for-dollar. The Social Security Administration (SSA) applies a series of exclusions to determine your "countable income," which then reduces your benefit:
| Income Type | Exclusion | How It Reduces SSI |
|---|---|---|
| Unearned income (SS, pensions) | First $20/month excluded | $1 for $1 after exclusion |
| Earned income (wages) | First $65/month excluded | $1 for every $2 earned after exclusion |
| Student earned income (under 22) | Up to $2,290/month excluded | Remaining at $1 for $2 |
| SNAP/food stamps | Fully excluded | Does not reduce SSI |
| Tax refunds | Excluded for 12 months | Does not reduce SSI |
States With SSI Supplements
About half of states add their own supplement to federal SSI payments. The supplement amount varies widely — from $12/month in Hawaii to $197/month in California. Living in a state with a generous supplement can increase your total benefit by 10–20%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between SSI and SSDI?
SSI is needs-based — it requires low income and limited resources, regardless of work history. SSDI is earned through work credits (typically 40 credits / 10 years of work) and pays based on your earnings record. You can receive both simultaneously ("concurrent benefits") if your SSDI amount is below the SSI rate. SSI provides Medicaid; SSDI provides Medicare (after a 24-month waiting period). Many people who are denied SSDI due to insufficient work credits may still qualify for SSI.
What counts as a "resource" for SSI?
Countable resources include bank accounts, cash, stocks, bonds, and property you don't live in. The limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. However, many assets are excluded: your primary home (any value), one vehicle, household goods, personal effects, life insurance with face value under $1,500, burial funds up to $1,500, and ABLE accounts. The resource limits haven't been updated since 1989, and there is ongoing legislative effort to increase them.
Can I work while receiving SSI?
Yes, and SSA encourages it. When you work, only about half of your earnings reduce your SSI check (after the $65 monthly exclusion). For example, if you earn $500/month, your SSI is reduced by only $217.50 — meaning you're always better off financially by working. SSA also offers work incentive programs like Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS), Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE), and the Ticket to Work program.
See also: Social Security Calculator and Food Stamps (SNAP) Calculator.