Important: We updated this article in March 2023 with current, correct data from individual states and the SSA. No matter where you live, federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits pay no more than $914 per month to individuals in 2023. As a result, several states pay supplemental benefits to anyone getting federal SSI payments. Learn which states provide supplemental benefits (including dollar amounts, when available) below. We’ll also list other common financial aid resources available to you once you qualify for SSI.
Which States Automatically Pay Supplemental Benefits In Addition To Your SSI?
In some cases, the Social Security Administration (SSA) combines both federal SSI payments and state supplemental benefits. As a result, you may get more money there than people in other states. Here are the max payment amounts for states paying supplemental benefits through the SSA in addition to the federal SSI check:
- California (individuals: $1,133.73 per month; couples: $1,927.62 per month)
- Delaware (individuals: $914 per month; couples: $1,371 per month)
- Hawaii (individuals: $914 per month; couples: $1,371 per month)
- Iowa (individuals: $914 per month; couples: $1,371 per month)
- Michigan (individuals: $928 per month; couples: $1,392 per month)
- Montana (individuals: $914 per month; couples: $1,371 per month)
- Nevada (individuals: $914 per month; couples: $1,371 per month)
- New Jersey (individuals: $945.25 per month; couples: $1,396.35 per month)
- Pennsylvania (individuals: $914 per month; couples: $1,371 per month)
- District of Columbia (individuals: $914 per month; couples: $1,371 per month)
- Rhode Island (individuals: $914 per month; couples: $1,371 per month)
- Vermont (individuals: $966.04 per month; couples: $1,469.88 per month)
You’ll note that the maximum federal SSI benefit in 2023 is $914. In the above states, anyone whose federal SSI payment is less than $914 gets supplemental benefits to close that gap.
These combined pay amounts are for people on SSI aged 18-64 who live alone in the above states. For those who are blind or aged 65 and older, check the SSA’s website. If you qualify for supplemental benefits, the SSA will directly deposit both payments at once in your bank account.
States That Offer Either SSI Supplemental Benefits or Other Financial Aid for Residents
Some states provide supplemental benefits for residents that depend on SSI. However, they don’t automatically combine your payments, so you’ll need to file extra paperwork:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Which States Offer No Supplemental Benefits In Addition to Federal SSI?
Just five states pay no supplemental benefits to people that rely on SSI:
- Arizona
- Mississippi
- Oregon
- North Dakota
- West Virginia
If you live in one of these states, you may still qualify for other federal or state benefit programs. We’ve listed the most common financial aid programs you may qualify for below.
Other Federal Financial Aid Services Unrelated to SSI Payments
State-Run Healthcare Assistance Programs
All states provide some type of healthcare program for disabled residents. For this reason, you’ll usually automatically qualify for Medicaid if you get SSI benefits. For those still waiting on benefits, visit your local Disability Determination Services (DDS) office. You can also talk to a Social Security attorney in our network for free about your options.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits
While most people call it “food stamps,” SNAP can help stretch your monthly grocery budget. However, the SSA doesn’t manage a federal SNAP program. So, monthly SSI payments won’t automatically provide access to SNAP. In fact, every state has its own SNAP eligibility requirements and application process. When you’re ready to apply for SNAP benefits, follow these steps:
- Find your state’s SNAP application form and nearest office location.
- Fill out your application, then return it to your local office in person.
- Call your state’s toll free SNAP hotline if you still have any questions.
Medicaid and SNAP are the most common supplemental benefits for people on SSI. However, many states also run programs that provide other supplemental benefits. Some pay cash benefits, while other provide free services to disabled people on SSI. These state-run programs often include:
- Consumer protection services
- Educational training as well as job assistance
- Homemaker services
- Home-delivered meals
- Housing services
- Information and referral services
- Money management services
- Special assistance for drug abusers
- Special assistance for both the blind and disabled
- Transportation
No matter where you live, you can always call 211 and then ask for help. The 211 operators can connect you with local charities, non-profits, churches, synagogues, volunteer groups and food pantries. Explain your current situation, then ask if any supplemental benefits are available to help you out. These groups provide everything from free rides to the doctor to housecleaning services as well as help paying your rent, heating and cooling bills. Don’t feel bad asking for help. These services only exist for this reason!
You May Qualify for Legal Assistance
For more information on either SSI or SSDI benefits, talk to a lawyer. It’s the best way to ensure you get the most benefits you qualify for much faster. In addition, legal assistance makes you nearly 3x more likely to get benefits!
What’s more, the SSA often denies claims from people who actually qualify over basic paperwork mistakes. An attorney can either ensure your claim is free of mistakes or handle your appeal after your claim’s denial. All disability lawyers work on contingency. That means you’ll owe $0 in fees unless your case wins. And if you do win, then you’ll only pay one small fee.
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Lori Polemenakos is Director of Consumer Content and SEO strategist for LeadingResponse, a legal marketing company. An award-winning journalist, writer and editor based in Dallas, Texas, she's produced articles for major brands such as Match.com, Yahoo!, MSN, AOL, Xfinity, Mail.com, and edited several published books. Since 2016, she's published hundreds of articles about Social Security disability, workers' compensation, veterans' benefits, personal injury, mass tort, auto accident claims, bankruptcy, employment law and other related legal issues.
