Check Your Eligibility for $967 in SSI Payments for Seniors and People with Disabilities

Navigating government benefit programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to understand who qualifies, how much you can receive, and how to apply.

In 2025, eligible individuals may receive up to $967 per month, and eligible couples can receive up to $1,450. This federal benefit helps those who are elderly, disabled, or blind and who have limited income and resources.

What Is SSI and Why Does It Matter?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal assistance program managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It provides monthly payments to low-income individuals who are either:

65 years or older
Blind
Living with a qualifying disability

The goal is to help cover basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter. SSI is different from Social Security retirement or disability benefits—it’s need-based, and you don’t need a work history to qualify.

2025 SSI Payment Amounts

In 2025, the maximum federal SSI payment is:

$967 per month for individuals
$1,450 per month for couples (if both qualify)

These amounts may be higher in some states, depending on state-level supplements. For example:

California may add around $160 extra per month
New York may offer between $23 to $87 monthly, depending on living arrangements

Your final payment depends on your countable income, as SSI benefits are reduced by any income you have, with some exceptions.

Who Qualifies for the $967 SSI Payment?

To qualify for SSI, you must meet all of the following criteria:

1. Age or Disability

You must either:

Be 65 years or older
Be blind
Have a long-term disability that prevents you from working (lasting or expected to last at least 12 months or lead to death)

2. Income Limits

SSI is for people with very limited income. Both earned income (like wages) and unearned income (like pensions) are counted, but SSA excludes:

The first $20 of most income
The first $65 of earned income, plus half of any amount over $65

Example: If you earn $500/month from part-time work, only $207.50 of that is counted against your SSI.

3. Resource Limits

You must have limited resources, including:

$2,000 limit for individuals
$3,000 limit for couples

Resources include bank accounts, stocks, and property. But not all items count, such as:

Your primary home
One vehicle
Personal household items

4. Residency & Citizenship

You must live in the U.S. and be a:

U.S. citizen, or
Eligible non-citizen (like some green card holders)

Children of military members stationed abroad may qualify with exceptions.

How to Apply for SSI in 2025

There are three ways to apply:

1. Online Application

Visit: ssa.gov/ssi
Create a my Social Security account
Fill out the form and upload documents
Best for people who are comfortable using the internet

2. By Phone

Call 1-800-772-1213
Schedule an appointment or complete your application over the phone
Ideal for those who want help with the process

3. In Person

Visit your local Social Security office
Bring all required documents (see below)
In-person help is great if you need one-on-one assistance

Required Documents for SSI Application

Have these ready when applying:

Birth certificate (proof of age)
Social Security card
Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency
Medical records (if applying due to disability)
Proof of income (pay stubs, pension, unemployment letters)
Bank statements and details of any assets or property

Organizing your documents in advance can speed up the approval process.

How States Affect SSI Payments

While the federal maximum is $967, some states add their own money to SSI. You may need to apply separately for the state supplement depending on where you live.

Examples of state supplements: