Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration that provides monthly payments to people with limited income and few resources who are blind, age 65 or older, or have a qualifying disability. Children with disabilities or who are blind may also receive SSI. The program is needs-based, meaning that the amount of benefits you receive is based on your income and resources. To qualify for SSI, you must meet one of the following requirements: be age 65 or older, be totally or partially blind, or have a medical condition that keeps you from working and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. There are different rules for children.

Unlike Social Security benefits, SSI benefits are not based on your prior work or a family members prior work. The maximum monthly SSI payment for 2023 is $914 for an individual and $1,371 for a couple. However, your amount may be lower based on your income and certain family circumstances.

To get SSI, you must also apply for any other government benefits for which you may be eligible. You must live in the United States or the Northern Mariana Islands to get SSI. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, but you lawfully reside in the United States, you may still be able to get SSI.

SSI recipients may also be eligible for food assistance, and in some states, an application for SSI also serves as an application for food assistance. People who qualify for SSI are often eligible for additional programs and services provided by their local county health or human services office.