Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays up to $994 per month for an eligible individual and up to $1,491 per month for an eligible couple in 2026 with no countable income. Those are federal maximums before income deductions and before any state addition. The 2026 federal rates reflect a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment tied to inflation growth from the third quarter of 2024 to the third quarter of 2025. The Social Security Administration lists the 2026 maximums in its 2026 COLA determination.
Table of Contents
- Who can get SSI at 65?
- How does income change your check?
- What savings limits apply?
- Do states pay extra?
- Can you receive SSI and retirement together?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Who can get SSI at 65?
Adults age 65 or older can qualify without disability or blindness. They must have limited income and limited resources and meet citizenship and residency rules.
SSI is different from Social Security retirement. SSI requires no work history and uses general federal revenues, while retirement requires payroll-tax work credits and uses FICA taxes.
How does income change your check?
Most people do not receive the full $994 because countable income lowers it. BenefitsUSA summarizes the income-counting rules in its SSI payment amounts guide.
The calculation excludes $20 of most unearned income. It also excludes $65 of earnings and then half the remainder. Unearned income above the $20 exclusion reduces SSI almost dollar for dollar.
- Add monthly countable unearned income after the $20 exclusion
- Add countable earnings after the $65 exclusion and 50% reduction
- Subtract total countable income from $994 or $1,491
What savings limits apply?
Countable resources must stay at or below $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. The Social Security Administration explains the limit in its Spotlight on Resources. Cash, bank balances, stocks, and extra vehicles can count.
A home you live in and usually one car do not count the same way. If countable resources go over the limit at the start of a month, SSI can be suspended for that month. Keep balances low enough to stay eligible and report changes promptly.
Do states pay extra?
Most states add a state supplementary payment on top of federal SSI. The amount depends on where you live and your housing situation. For a senior living independently, Alaska adds about $362 for about $1,356 total.
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California adds $239.94 for $1,233.94 total. Check your state agency for the current supplement, payment method, and application steps. Moving to another state can change your combined total.
Can you receive SSI and retirement together?
People with small Social Security retirement checks can receive both programs at once. Benefit Guide US explains dual eligibility in its SSI versus retirement guide. Retirement benefits count as unearned income after the $20 exclusion.
For example, $500 in Social Security leaves about $514 in federal SSI when that is the only other income. Report retirement awards, pensions, wages, and household support right away. Even a small income change can raise or lower next month's SSI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need work credits for SSI at 65?
No. Age, limited income, limited resources, and citizenship or residency can qualify you without work credits.
What happens if I work part time?
The first $65 of earnings plus half the remainder does not count, and the rest lowers your SSI gradually.
Can savings stop my payment for one month?
Yes. Countable resources above $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple can suspend that month's payment.
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