SSI Supplemental Payments by State

In most areas, recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can qualify for an additional payment from their state. These state supplemental payments offer much needed monthly income. According to federal data from 2022, the average supplemental payment is worth $145.08 per month. But how you qualify depends on your state’s rules.

This article will give you a brief overview of what SSI supplemental payments are and the average payment amount in state’s that offer them.

What is a state supplemental payment?

A state supplemental payment, or SSP, is a monthly benefit that some states pay in addition to a person’s federal SSI benefit. (Depending where you live, your state may call them state supplementary payments.)

These payments are made by the Social Security Administration (SSA) in some states, but they aren’t federal benefits. SSPs are also distinct from state short-term disability insurance programs.

Who can get a state supplemental payment?

SSI recipients may be eligible for supplemental payments based on their living arrangements, income, and other factors. Some states also offer supplemental benefits to children.

However, each state decides for itself exactly who qualifies for benefits. For example, in states that provide SSPs for children, some offer different rates for children who are blind versus children with other disabilities.

In most states, you’ll have to go through the state itself to learn more about its SSP program and how to apply. You can also contact your local SSA office if it administers the payments for your state.

States with SSI supplemental payments in 2023

The majority of states offer supplemental SSI payments. Only six states do not provide SSPs in 2023.

6 States do not offer SSPs

• Arizona

• Arkansas

• Mississippi

• North Dakota

• Tennessee

• West Virginia

12 States have SSPs administered by the SSA

• California

• Delaware

• District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.)

• Hawaii

• Iowa

• Michigan

• Montana

• Nevada

• New Jersey

• Pennsylvania

• Rhode Island

• Vermont

33 states pay and administer their own SSPs

• Alabama

• Alaska

• 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

• Oregon

• South Carolina

• South Dakota

• Texas

• Utah

• Virginia

• Washington

• Wisconsin

• Wyoming

SSI supplemental payments by state

SSI itself offers payments worth up to $943 per month in 2024. How much you get from SSI is based on your monthly income and if you have no other sources of income, you’ll get the maximum of $943.

How much you receive through supplemental payments will depend on the rules in your state. In most areas, your current income and living situation will affect how much you get. For example, a state may pay different SSP amounts for someone who lives independently and someone who lives in community housing.

Payment data isn’t readily available for every state, but it is more accessible from places where the SSA administers SSPs.

Average state supplemental payments from the SSA

How to apply for SSI

Before you can receive SSI supplemental payments, you have to apply for and win SSI benefits. To apply for SSI, you’ll need to prove you have a medical condition that leaves you unable to work. You also need to have monthly income and personal assets below $2,000 if you’re single and $3,000 if you’re married.

For more help, start with our step-by-step guide to applying for disability benefits.

If you’ve already applied or been denied for SSI, a disability lawyer can help you navigate the application and appeal process. Atticus can help you find an experienced lawyer who will treat your claim as a priority. To see if a lawyer could help your claim, fill out our free 2-minute disability benefits quiz.

Frequently asked questions about SSI

What do you get with SSI?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly benefit checks and free or low-cost health insurance if you can’t work because of a medical condition.

How much does SSI pay?

SSI pays up to $943 per month in 2024. How much you get depends on your other monthly income. You only receive the maximum benefit if you have no other income. Where you live and your exact medical condition won’t affect how much you get. Some states also offer supplemental payments, on top of this federal benefit amount.

What conditions qualify for SSI?

Any medical condition that leaves you unable to work can qualify for SSI. You’ll need to give the SSA medical records that clearly show how your condition affects you and why you can’t work because of it. Learn more about conditions that qualify for SSI.

When should I apply for SSI benefits?

We recommend that you apply for benefits as soon as you know you’ll be unable to work. The application process can take a while — more than a year for the average person — and the sooner you submit your application, the sooner you can get benefits.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for SSI?

No, but working with a disability lawyer can greatly increase your chances of winning benefits. The SSA denies most initial applications, so you’ll probably need to appeal. Having a good lawyer triples your chances of winning an appeal.

Are there other types of disability benefits?

Beside SSI, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is an option if you’ve worked and paid taxes for years. VA disability benefits are an option if you were injured while serving in the armed forces. Work injuries can qualify you for workers’ comp but you need to act quickly. There are also state benefit options in some areas. Learn more in our guide to the main types of disability benefits.