Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program that provides monthly payments to people who have limited or no income and few or no resources. The program is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and pays monthly benefits to people with limited income and 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 maximum Federal SSI benefit amount changes yearly and varies based on income, living arrangements, and other factors. Effective January 1, 2023, the Federal benefit rate is $914 for an individual and $1,371 for a couple. Some states supplement the Federal SSI benefit with additional payments, making the total SSI benefit levels higher in those states.
It is important to note that SSI benefits are different from Social Security benefits. While many people who are eligible for SSI may also be entitled to Social Security benefits, SSI benefits are not based on prior work or a family members prior work. SSI is financed by general funds of the U.S. Treasury, such as personal income taxes and corporate taxes.
