You can receive both Social Security and SSI, but the amount you get from each depends on your work history and current income

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are separate programs with different rules. Social Security is based on your work record and the taxes you paid. SSI is a needs-based program for people with low income and limited resources. You can collect from both at once, but SSI will be reduced by the amount you receive from Social Security — this is called the deemed income rule.

The key difference is that Social Security does not count against your SSI, but SSI counts Social Security as income when calculating your monthly payment. If you receive $800 in Social Security, your SSI payment will be reduced by that amount (minus a small exclusion). This means your total monthly income from both programs may be less than if you received SSI alone.

Key Takeaways

  • You can receive both Social Security and SSI in the same month, but SSI will reduce your payment dollar-for-dollar based on your Social Security income.
  • Social Security is based on your work history; SSI is based on financial need and is available to people over 65, blind, or disabled with limited resources.
  • The first $65 of your Social Security income each month is not counted against SSI, plus an additional $20 general income exclusion.
  • If you are under full retirement age and working, your Social Security benefits may be reduced, which could increase your SSI payment.
  • You must report any change in income or resources to SSI within 10 days, or you may lose your benefits or owe money back.

How SSI reduces your payment when you get Social Security

When you receive Social Security, SSI subtracts most of it from your monthly payment. However, there is a small amount that does not count. The first $65 of unearned income (which includes Social Security) is excluded, plus another $20 from any source. This means if you get $800 in Social Security, only $715 counts against your SSI ($800 minus $65 minus $20).

The reduction happens automatically. You do not have to do anything — SSI will see your Social Security payment and adjust your benefit. If your Social Security is high enough, your SSI payment could drop to zero, though you would still be considered an SSI recipient for purposes of Medicaid and other programs that use SSI status.

The exact reduction depends on whether you are married and living with your spouse, whether your spouse also receives SSI, and other income in your household. Contact your local Social Security office or SSI case worker to find out what your specific payment will be.

Who can get both programs

To receive Social Security, you must have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. You can start collecting at 62, though your payment is smaller than if you wait until full retirement age (66 to 67 for most people). You can also receive Social Security if you are disabled or the spouse or child of someone who is.

To receive SSI, you must be 65 or older, blind, or disabled. You must also have limited income and resources — in 2024, the resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Your home and one vehicle do not count toward this limit. SSI is available to U.S. citizens and certain non-citizens.

If you meet the requirements for both programs, you can receive them together. Many people do — particularly those who did not work long enough to receive a substantial Social Security benefit.

What counts as income and resources for SSI

SSI looks at your total income from all sources: wages, Social Security, pensions, rental income, and support from family members. The first $65 of earned income (wages) and the first $20 of any other income are excluded each month. After that, SSI counts dollar-for-dollar.

Resources are things you own: bank accounts, stocks, vehicles (except one), real estate (except your home). The limit is $2,000 for an individual. Your home, one car, household goods, and personal items do not count. If you are married and both spouses are SSI recipients, the limit is $3,000 for the couple's combined resources.

If your income or resources go over the limit, you lose SSI. You must report changes within 10 days. If you do not report and you receive a payment you were not due, you will have to repay it.

How working affects both programs

If you are under full retirement age and working, Social Security will reduce your benefit by $1 for every $2 you earn above a certain amount (in 2024, that amount is $23,400 per year, but this changes yearly). This reduction does not explore once you reach full retirement age in the year you turn full retirement age.

If you are receiving SSI and you work, the first $65 of your wages each month does not count, plus the $20 general exclusion. After that, SSI counts half of your remaining wages. This is called the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) and can help you keep more of your earnings if you are working toward a goal like education or starting a business.

Working can actually increase your total income because of these exclusions. If your Social Security is reduced due to work, your SSI might increase. Talk to your Social Security representative about how your specific situation will be affected.

Reporting changes to SSI

You must tell SSI about changes in your life within 10 days. This includes changes in income, living situation, marital status, resources, work status, or medical condition. If you do not report and you receive a payment you were not due, you become overpaid and must repay the money.

You can report changes by phone, mail, or in person at your local SSI office. Keep records of what you report and when. If you miss a important date, explain what happened — SSI may waive the overpayment in some cases, but only if you ask.

Changes in Social Security are usually reported automatically between the two programs, but you should still confirm with SSI that they have the correct information. If your Social Security payment changes, your SSI will adjust automatically the following month.

Medicaid and other benefits when you receive both programs

If you receive SSI, you are usually may be able to access for Medicaid automatically, even if your SSI payment is zero because of your Social Security income. This is called SSI-related Medicaid and covers medical care, prescription drugs, and long-term care. You keep this coverage as long as you meet SSI's income and resource limits.

Some states have programs that let you keep Medicaid even if your income goes slightly over the SSI limit. These are called 1619(b) programs and are available in some states for people who are working. Ask your SSI case worker whether your state has this option.

You may also be may be able to access for other programs like SNAP (food information) or LIHEAP (utility information) based on your SSI status. Your case worker can tell you what else you might be due.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum amount I can get from both programs combined?

There is no combined maximum. Your Social Security payment is based on your work record and does not have a limit. Your SSI payment is reduced by your Social Security income, but the total depends on your specific situation. In 2024, the SSI federal payment is $943 per month for an individual, but states can add more, and your Social Security can be any amount based on your earnings record.

Can I get SSI if I have a pension or retirement income?

Yes, but the pension or retirement income counts against your SSI limit. The first $20 of any unearned income is excluded, so a small pension might not affect your SSI much. A large pension could reduce your SSI to zero or make you ineligible. Contact SSI to find out how your specific pension will affect your payment.

What happens to my SSI if my Social Security increases?

Your SSI will decrease by the same amount your Social Security increased (minus the $65 exclusion). If your Social Security goes up by $100, your SSI will go down by approximately $100. Your total income may stay the same or increase slightly, depending on the exclusions.

Do I have to repay SSI if I receive too much by mistake?

Yes, if you receive more than you are due, you must repay it. However, you can ask SSI to waive the overpayment if you were not at fault and repaying it would cause hardship. You must ask in writing and explain your situation. SSI will review your request, but there is no may provide it will be approved.

Can I receive both programs if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Social Security is available to non-citizens who have a valid Social Security number and work history. SSI is more restrictive — you must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to non-citizen (such as a refugee or asylee). Talk to Social Security about your specific immigration status and what you may be due.