SSI Benefits Complete Guide 2025: Eligibility, Application, and Payment Amounts
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly cash payments to people with limited income and resources who are aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about SSI benefits in 2025.
What is SSI?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), SSI is not based on work history but rather on financial need and disability status.
SSI provides monthly cash payments to help meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. The program is designed to help people who have little or no income and few resources.
SSI Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for SSI benefits, you must meet several requirements:
Basic Requirements
- Age, Blindness, or Disability: You must be 65 or older, blind, or disabled
- Limited Income: Your countable income must be below the SSI income limit
- Limited Resources: Your countable resources must be worth $2,000 or less ($3,000 for couples)
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
- Residency: You must live in the United States or Northern Mariana Islands
SSI Income Limits for 2025
SSI has strict income limits. For 2025, the federal benefit rate (FBR) is:
- Individuals: $943 per month
- Couples: $1,415 per month
- Essential Person: $472 per month
Your countable income includes wages, Social Security benefits, pensions, and other sources of income. Some income is excluded from the calculation, such as the first $20 of most income received in a month.
SSI Resource Limits
SSI also has strict resource limits. Resources include cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and other assets that can be converted to cash.
Countable Resources
- • Cash and bank accounts
- • Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds
- • Real estate (other than your home)
- • Personal property worth more than $2,000
- • Life insurance policies with cash value
Excluded Resources
- • Your home and land
- • One vehicle (if used for transportation)
- • Household goods and personal effects
- • Burial plots and funds
- • Life insurance policies under $1,500
How to Apply for SSI
The SSI application process involves several steps:
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
- • Birth certificate or proof of age
- • Social Security card
- • Proof of citizenship or legal residency
- • Proof of income and resources
- • Medical records (if applying based on disability)
- • Proof of living arrangements
Step 2: Submit Your Application
You can apply for SSI in several ways:
- • Online: Complete the application on the SSA website
- • By Phone: Call 1-800-772-1213
- • In Person: Visit your local Social Security office
Step 3: Complete the Interview
After submitting your application, you'll need to complete an interview with an SSA representative. This can be done in person or over the phone.
SSI Payment Amounts
The amount of SSI benefits you receive depends on your income, living arrangements, and state of residence.
Federal Benefit Rate (2025)
- Individual: $943 per month
- Couple: $1,415 per month
- Essential Person: $472 per month
Many states provide additional supplements to the federal SSI benefit. These state supplements vary by state and individual circumstances.
Check Your SSI Eligibility
Use our free SSI benefits calculator to see if you qualify for Supplemental Security Income.
Check My SSI Eligibility