There can be great confusion with regard to the public benefits that may be available to an individual who is aged or has disabilities. This is especially true with regard to monthly income benefits. Even individuals who are receiving monthly income through government assistance often do not know what benefit they are receiving and why they are receiving that particular benefit.
Who Is Eligible for SSI?
Supplemental Security Income is a federal welfare program administered through the Social Security Administration. It was established to provide cash assistance to financially needy individuals who are age 65 or older, or blind, or disabled. This program assures such individuals a minimum level of income.
SSI Asset Limits
To qualify financially for SSI benefits an individual can have no more than $2,000 in countable assets. The limit for an eligible couple is $3,000. Countable assets include cash and other non-exempt assets (such as stocks, mutual funds, and bonds) that can be converted to cash. Additionally, an individual can own certain exempt assets such as the home they live in, one vehicle used for transportation, household goods, certain life insurance, burial spaces, and up to $1,500 in funds (such as a certificate of deposit) set aside for burial expenses, subject to Social Security’s burial fund rules.
SSI Payment Amounts and Income Rules
In 2026, the maximum monthly federal SSI payment is $994 for an eligible individual and $1,491 for an eligible couple. The Social Security Administration generally subtracts countable income from these amounts to determine the monthly payment. The Social Security Administration defines income as anything received in cash or in kind that can be used to meet that person’s need for food or shelter. This can include lawsuit settlements, cash gifts, inheritances, annuity payments, and in-kind support such as free or subsidized shelter. The value of food provided in kind does not count toward the SSI payment calculation. However, because many kinds of income are not counted in determining SSI eligibility, an individual may be eligible for SSI even though his gross income exceeds the maximum payment amount.
How Working Affects SSI Payments
An individual who is eligible for SSI benefits and who is working must report his employment income to the Social Security Administration. The Social Security Administration then applies a formula to determine how much of the employment income will “count” when determining the SSI benefit the individual may be eligible to receive each month.
SSI and Medicaid in Georgia
In Georgia, as in a number of other states, individuals who receive SSI are generally automatically eligible for Medicaid for any month in which they receive an SSI payment. Oftentimes the Medicaid benefit is more important than the SSI income, as Medicaid can pay for hospital and doctor bills, therapy, prescription medications, long-term care, and transportation. People who qualify for certain Medicaid waiver programs may also receive residential support, respite care, supported employment, and other services.