The Average Social Security Supplemental Payment in Every State (Are You Eligible?)

As of 2023, an estimated 71.6 million Americans received some form of benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). And, while many of those benefits included Social Security Income for those who qualified due to blindness, disability, or retirement, a portion of those benefits were paid out as Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

SSI is an added financial benefit administered by the SSA. As the name indicates, these funds are used to help supplement a monthly Social Security. For those who live in states that offer SSI, that added monthly payment is likely crucial to your retirement plan.

The average SSI benefits amount you receive can vary widely depending on the state in which you reside. Some beneficiaries live in states offering supplemental SSI payments to residents, while other states don’t contribute anything to the federal Social Security benefit amount.

Keep reading to learn why SSI payments are much higher in some states than others — and to see whether your state offers supplemental benefits.

At the federal level, the maximum amount of money you can receive in Social Security benefits is $943 for individuals or $1,415 for couples.

However, the exact amount of money you receive monthly in benefits depends on factors like your living situation and income, meaning you could receive less than the monthly maximum.

Some state governments supplement your federal SSI payment with an additional state-specific SSI benefit. As a result of these supplemental state payments, some individuals could receive more than the federal maximum as their monthly payment.

These six states don’t offer state-specifical supplemental SSI payments:

• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Mississippi
• North Dakota
• Tennessee
• West Virginia

If you live in one of these states, you’ll only receive your federal Social Security benefit with no additional state funds.

There are other states where the supplemental SSI payments are administered by the federal government rather than the state.

This means that in the following states, individuals and couples who qualify for their state’s supplemental payments will receive their state and federal SSI payments as part of the same check:

• California
• Hawaii
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• Vermont

Five states (plus Washington, DC) are dual-administration states, meaning the SSA manages some elements of the state’s supplemental SSI benefits while the state manages other elements:

• Delaware
• Iowa
• Michigan
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island

The remaining states administer and pay their own SSI supplemental payments. Each state has its own requirements regarding who qualifies for each supplement, and the amounts and benefits vary widely between states.

It’s hard to find information on supplemental state SSI payments for states that don’t opt to have benefits administered by the SSA (as well as some dual-administration states).

We’ve provided information about supplemental payments in as many states as possible, but you should contact your state government for exact details on your state’s supplemental SSI payment.

Supplemental state SSI payments: $56 to $120 per month

According to legal resource NOLO, Alabama offers between $56 and $120 per month for certain individuals receiving SSI benefits who are also using home healthcare services.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Up to $362 per month

Alaska’s Adult Public Assistance (APA) program supplements federal SSI benefits with monthly payments of up to $362 for certain individuals over 18.

APA benefits have a higher income limit than SSI benefits, which means you might qualify for APA benefits even if you don’t qualify for SSI benefits.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Average of $161.79 per month

The SSA administers California’s supplemental SSI payment, which means if you qualify for supplemental SSI payments in California, you’ll receive them with your federal SSI check instead of getting two separate checks.

That’s also one key reason California’s average monthly SSI payment is higher than other states’ — the federal government includes the state supplemental amount when calculating the state’s average SSI benefits payments.

The amount of money you receive depends on your living situation, age, and disability, among other factors.

For instance, disabled and/or elderly SSI couples may qualify for up to $2,022.83 per month if they live independently, $3,150.14 per month if they need non-medical out-of-home care, or $1,559.04 if they live in another person’s home.

Part of that benefit amount comes from the federal government while the state makes up the rest.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Up to $943 per month

If you receive SSI benefits due to blindness or disability and are no older than 59, you may be eligible for the Aid to the Needy Disabled-Colorado Supplement (AND-CS). This grant program is available only for individuals who receive less than the maximum federal SSI benefit.

Colorado’s Home Care Allowance program is also available for certain SSI recipients who need home healthcare. The program pays benefits of up to $605 per month.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Variable

The Connecticut Department of Social Services administers a cash assistance program for SSI recipients called the State Supplement to the Aged, Blind or Disabled.

The amount you’re eligible for varies, but it usually helps make up the difference between your income and living expenses.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Average of $133.95 per month

Delaware is a dual-administration state, meaning the federal government administers some state supplemental SSI benefits while leaving others up to the state.

However, apart from the average benefit amount, information on Delaware’s supplemental payments isn’t readily available. You’ll need to contact the state to learn more.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Variable

In Washington, D.C., adults living in Medicaid facilities or foster care homes can qualify for an additional state payment, which can average $377.77.

The combined federal and state payments can total $1,727.16 for individuals or $3,339.32 for couples living in adult foster care homes with over 50 beds.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Unlisted

While Florida offers a supplemental state payment, it doesn’t list any specific information about it online. You will need to contact the state to learn more.

Supplemental state SSI payments: $20 per month

Georgia’s Department of Human Resources supplements federal SSI payments with a $20 benefit for individuals living in Medicaid facilities. Residents don’t need to apply separately for this benefit, since the Georgia Department of Human Resources identifies eligibility on its own.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Average of $483.61 per month

Hawaii’s state supplemental benefits are administered by the SSA and are available only to SSI beneficiaries who live in foster care.

Monthly payments (which include the combined federal and state SSI payment) can range from $1,594.90 for individuals or $3,055.80 for couples in adult foster care homes or private non-medical facilities.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Up to $53 per month

Idaho’s Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled program provides up to $53 per month for certain Idaho residents who qualify for SSI. If your income exceeds the federal SSI benefit threshold, you may still qualify for Idaho’s supplemental payments.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Unlisted

Illinois’ Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD) program is administered by the state’s Department of Human Services. If you receive SSI, you’re likely eligible for AABD cash assistance, but you may also qualify for some state assistance even if your income is above the federal SSI threshold.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Up to $50

In Indiana, the state’s Residential Care Assistance Program helps qualifying individuals pay for housing at Medicaid and licensed residential facilities. These individuals may also receive up to $50 as a personal needs allowance.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Income calculation required

Iowa’s comprehensive State Supplementary Assistance (SSA) program offers extra assistance to disabled, aged, and/or blind persons with SSI benefits and their caretakers. 

Individuals living in residential care facilities can receive a personal needs allowance of up to $123 per month.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Up to $64 per month

Kansas’ Department of Health and Environment administers a supplemental payment of up to $64 for adults with SSI benefits who live in Medicaid facilities.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Variable

Kentucky calculates state supplemental payments based on SSI beneficiaries’ income and living and medical expenses.

For instance, the state lists the standard cost of personal at-home care as $1,559. The state subtracts your monthly countable income from the standard cost, and the difference between the two is your supplemental payment.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Up to $8 per month

Louisiana offers an Optional State Supplement (OSS) of between $1 and $8 per month to SSI beneficiaries who live at Medicaid-approved long-term care facilities.

Supplemental state SSI payments: $10 per month

Maine’s modest SSI supplement comes to around $10 per person per month for individuals with SSI benefits who live independently. Per Nolo, beneficiaries in certified group facilities could receive more.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Between $52 and $666 per month

According to third-party sources, Maryland pays qualifying individuals between $52 and $666 per month on top of their federal SSI payment benefits.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Variable

Massachusetts’ State Supplement Program pays qualifying SSI recipients a monthly benefit amount based on your living arrangements and overall countable income.

For instance, if you’re a qualifying blind individual living in another person’s household, your overall state supplement amount could be as high as $633.40 per month.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Average of $120.22 per month

Michigan offers between $6.98 and $21 extra per month to individuals depending on their living situations. For instance, individuals living alone may qualify for an extra $14 per month while those living in another person’s household qualify for up to $9.33 per month.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) also offers a benefit to individuals and couples living in MDHHS-supported living arrangements. For example, individuals in domiciliary care could qualify for $87 per month while couples could qualify for $645.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Unlisted

Minnesota’s Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) program offers cash assistance to individuals who qualify for SSI. Cash allowance amounts are unlisted online.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Between $156 and $390 per month

Missouri’s Supplemental Nursing Care (SNC) program helps seniors on Medicaid who need to live in an assisted living facility but can’t afford to do so. According to legal resource Nolo, you could qualify for between $156 and $390 depending on your circumstances.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Average of $84.34 per month

Montana’s supplemental SSI payments range from $26 per month to individuals living in state-certified transitional housing to $94 per month for those in state-certified assisted living communities.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Variable

Nebraska’s Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD) program helps individuals and couples pay for the cost of their preferred, most beneficial living situation, whether that’s living independently or in an assisted living facility.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Average of $42.63 per month

Every blind or elderly Nevada resident with SSI benefits receives an additional payment from the state of Nevada. For the most part, disabled individuals receiving SSI benefits don’t qualify for supplemental state payments, though you could be eligible if your partner is blind or elderly.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Variable by program

New Hampshire has a variety of state supplemental programs for residents with SSI benefits. These include Old Age Assistance (OAA), a program for individuals over 65; Aid to the Needy Blind (ANB), which assists blind children and adults; and Aid to the Permanently and Totally Disabled (APTD), which supports disabled individuals between 18 and 64.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Average of $37.28 per month

New Jersey offers a state benefit of up to $40 per month for qualified individuals living in Title XIX certified nursing homes. Additionally, you might qualify for a benefit payment that brings your net countable income to a standard set by the state.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Up to $100 per month

New Mexico will pay a stipend of up to $100 to qualifying individuals with SSI benefits who live in an assisted living facility or adult residential facility or $200 for couples.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Variable

New York offers supplemental state payments based on living arrangement and county. For instance, an SSI beneficiary living independently could qualify for up to $87 extra per month while a couple living in enhanced residential care could qualify for up to $1,859.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Up to $70 per month

North Carolina’s State and County Special Assistance program supports SSI beneficiaries who are either disabled or at least age 65 and who live in an approved assisted living facility. Payments can be as high as $1,717 per month, but the majority of that assistance goes directly to the facility, leaving you with $70 as a personal needs allowance.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Variable

Ohio’s Residential State Supplement (RSS) helps individuals with SSI benefits afford rent in community housing. The RSS benefit differs depending on how high your SSI benefit amount is, but combined, the federal and state amounts should help you pay for rent while leaving $200 left over.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Variable by income

Oklahoma calculates its state supplemental SSI payment amounts based on countable income. The exact amount of money you qualify for depends on how much you receive in federal SSI benefits and other sources of income.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Unlisted

Oregon has a State Supplement Program for residents with SSI benefits, but there isn’t any further information listed online.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Average of $370.04 per month

In Pennsylvania, the SSA administers the state’s supplemental payment to SSI beneficiaries living in domiciliary care homes or personal care boarding homes. Individuals and couples who live independently or in another person’s household receive a separate SSI payment directly from the state.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Average of $280.29 per month

Rhode Island’s monthly supplemental SSI benefits vary from $20 for beneficiaries living in Title XIX facilities to $97.30 for couples living in another person’s household.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Unlisted

South Carolina residents who qualify for SSI can also apply for the South Carolina Combined Application Project (SCCAP), which gives you access to food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Supplemental state SSI payments: Variable

According to online legal resource Nolo, South Dakota offers a cash allowance of $15 per month to eligible couples and individuals living independently.

Additionally, it pays up to $791 to qualified beneficiaries living in qualified assisted living facilities, but most of that money goes to the care provider.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Unlisted

Texas’s Department of Health and Human Services administers the state’s supplemental payment. Get in touch with the department to learn more.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Unlisted

Utah doesn’t list any online information about its supplemental state payment, but if you qualify for one, you should be told the specific amount in your individual award letter.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Average of $53.69 per month

Vermont adds around $50 per person to monthly SSI benefits payments. The exact amount you qualify for depends on your living situation.

For instance, individuals who live independently will receive a combined federal and state SSI check for up to $998.68 per month while couples in an assistive community care center would receive up to $1,518.54 per month.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Up to $115 per month

Virginia’s auxiliary grants support adults with SSI benefits who live in adult foster care or an assisted living facility. Starting in July 2024, the state also offers up to $115 as a personal allowance for qualified individuals.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Limited

Washington’s State Supplementary Payment (SSP) program is currently closed to new enrollees with a few exceptions. Contact the state to learn more.

Supplemental state SSI payments: Variable

Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services administers its state SSI supplemental payment. If you live independently, you qualify for between $83.78 (for an individual) and $132.05 (for a couple).

Wisconsin also offers an Exceptional Expense Supplemental Security Income (SSI-E) benefit, which is $179.77 for individuals or $477.41 for couples.

Supplemental state SSI payments: $20 per month

Wyoming residents whose sole source of income is their federal SSI benefit qualify for an extra benefit of $20 per month from the state.

SSI benefits can be a useful supplement to your Social Security income. But even with both benefits, it can be tricky to make ends meet — so make sure you’re taking advantage of any available state resources to stretch your budget further.