Adults with disabilities, blind people, and seniors aged 65 or older who are ‘low-income’ may seek financial support from the government through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. These monthly payments help ensure that eligible individuals can meet their basic needs for housing, clothing and food.
If you or your loved one is trying to apply for this federal benefit, here are three key factors about SSI that you need to know about:
How can you qualify for SSI?
Since SSI is a “needs-based” program, only low-income individuals and families can qualify for it. To apply for the program, you must be:
- Blind or have a disability
- Have a limited household income of $2,000 (single) or $3,000 (married)
- A resident of one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands
- Not admitted to a hospital or prison at the government’s expense
However, if you are an applicant who is 65 years of age or older, you do not need to have a disability to apply for SSI.
How is blindness determined?
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), ‘blindness’ can mean either of the two definitions:
- A central visual acuity for distance of 20/200 or less in the better eye
- A visual field limitation in the better eye
If you are visually impaired but not legally blind, you may still be eligible for SSI based on your disability.
How much financial support can you get from SSI?
If you qualify for SSI benefits, your monthly payment for the year 2026 is $994 (single) or $1,491 (married). However, this amount may decrease depending on your specific circumstances.
For example, if you live with your spouse, their employment income may affect your total SSI payment. If you are an adult who lives with their parents or a shared apartment, and you do not pay for food and housing costs, your SSI benefit may also decrease.
Here is to better days
By learning about the government’s SSI program and how it can be beneficial for you or your family, you can check your eligibility and move forward with your application process.