You cannot receive both full Social Security and full SSI at the same time, but you may receive a reduced amount of one while getting the other

The two programs operate under different rules. Social Security is based on your work history and the taxes you paid into the system. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. If you receive Social Security, SSI calculates your payment by subtracting most of your Social Security income from the maximum SSI amount. The result is often a small SSI payment or no payment at all.

The key word is "most"—not all of your Social Security counts against SSI. The first $65 of your monthly Social Security income, plus $20 more, does not reduce your SSI check. After that, SSI subtracts dollar-for-dollar. So if you receive $200 in Social Security, only $115 of it ($200 minus $85) reduces your SSI payment.

Key Takeaways

  • Social Security and SSI are separate programs with different rules; receiving one affects how much you can get from the other.
  • SSI subtracts most of your Social Security income from the SSI payment, but the first $85 per month does not count against you.
  • If your Social Security payment is high enough, you may not may have access to for any SSI, even if your total income is low.
  • Your state may add extra money to your SSI payment; these state supplements are not reduced by Social Security income in the same way.

How SSI calculates your payment when you also receive Social Security

SSI has a federal maximum payment amount that changes each year. In 2024, the maximum for an individual is $943 per month (the amount varies by year and living situation). When you report Social Security income, SSI uses a formula called the "deemed income" calculation.

Here is how it works in order: First, SSI counts your unearned income—this includes Social Security, pensions, and other non-work income. Second, it subtracts the $85 exclusion ($65 general exclusion plus $20 additional exclusion). Third, it subtracts any other deductions you may have, such as medical expenses. Fourth, it subtracts the result from the federal maximum payment. What remains is your SSI check.

Example: You receive $400 per month in Social Security. SSI subtracts $85, leaving $315 that counts against you. The federal maximum is $943. So your SSI payment would be $943 minus $315, which equals $628 per month. Your total income is $400 plus $628, or $1,028.

When Social Security income makes you ineligible for SSI

If your Social Security payment is high enough, you will not receive any SSI money. This happens when your Social Security income minus the $85 exclusion equals or exceeds the federal maximum SSI payment.

Using the 2024 federal maximum of $943: if you receive $1,028 or more in Social Security per month, SSI will pay you nothing. You would have only your Social Security income. This is called being "SSI-ineligible due to income."

Even if you are ineligible for SSI cash payments, you may still be may be able to access for Medicaid in your state. Some states continue Medicaid coverage for people who lose SSI due to Social Security income. Ask your local Social Security office or state Medicaid agency whether you remain covered.

State supplements and how they interact with Social Security

Some states add their own money to the federal SSI payment. These state supplements vary widely. California, New York, and Massachusetts offer some of the highest supplements; other states offer none at all.

State supplements are treated differently than federal SSI when you have Social Security income. In most states, the state supplement is not reduced by Social Security income—it is paid in full on top of your federal SSI payment. A few states do reduce the state supplement based on Social Security income, so the rules depend on where you live.

Contact your state's SSI program office to learn whether your state offers a supplement and how it is calculated if you receive Social Security.

What counts as income and what does not

SSI counts most money coming in, but not everything. Social Security, pensions, unemployment benefits, and wages all count. Gifts and loans do not count as income (though large gifts may count as resources, which is a separate limit).

Some types of support do not count as income at all. Food, shelter, and clothing provided by someone else do not count. In-kind support and maintenance (ISM) is the term SSI uses, and it can reduce your SSI payment even though it is not income. If someone gives you a place to live or pays your rent, SSI may reduce your payment by up to one-third of the federal maximum.

Medical expenses, impairment-related work expenses, and certain other costs can be deducted before SSI calculates your payment. Keep records of these expenses and report them to SSI.

How to report Social Security income to SSI

You must report your Social Security income to SSI when you first explore. If you are already receiving SSI and then start receiving Social Security, report the change within 10 days. You can report by phone, mail, or in person at your local Social Security office.

Bring your Social Security award letter or a recent benefit statement showing the exact monthly amount. SSI will use this to recalculate your payment. If you receive your Social Security by direct deposit, SSI can often verify the amount directly with the Social Security Administration, so the process may be faster.

If you do not report the change, you may be overpaid and asked to return the money later. It is better to report right away and let SSI adjust your payment.

What happens if you work while receiving both programs

Earned income (wages from a job) is treated differently from unearned income like Social Security. SSI excludes the first $65 of your monthly earnings, plus half of the rest. This means you can earn some money without losing all your SSI.

Social Security has its own earnings limit called the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level. If you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and earn more than the SGA amount, your SSDI may stop. The SGA limit changes each year; in 2024 it is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals.

If you receive both SSI and SSDI, work carefully. Report all earnings to both programs. The earnings rules are different, and you could lose benefits if you do not report correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get both Social Security and SSI at the same time?

Yes, but your SSI payment will be reduced by most of your Social Security income. The first $85 of your Social Security does not reduce SSI. After that, SSI subtracts dollar-for-dollar. If your Social Security is high enough, you may receive no SSI at all.

What if I receive a lump-sum Social Security payment?

A lump-sum payment (back pay from a delayed claim, for example) counts as a resource, not income. SSI has a resource limit of $2,000 for an individual. If the lump sum pushes you over that limit, you may lose SSI temporarily until you spend it down. Report the payment to SSI when ready.

Does my spouse's Social Security income affect my SSI?

If you are married and both explore for SSI, your spouse's income is "deemed" to you—meaning part of it counts toward your SSI calculation. The rules are complex and depend on whether you are both disabled or blind. Contact your local Social Security office for your specific situation.

Will I lose Medicaid if my Social Security income makes me ineligible for SSI?

It depends on your state. Some states continue Medicaid for people who lose SSI due to income. Others do not. Contact your state Medicaid agency or Social Security office to find out whether you remain covered.

What if I disagree with how SSI calculated my payment?

You have the right to request a reconsideration or appeal. Ask your local Social Security office for a notice of decision explaining how your payment was calculated. If you believe it is wrong, you can file a written request for reconsideration within 60 days.