Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

In New York 2012

What is SSI?

SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, is a 

federal program that provides monthly cash 

payments to people in need. SSI is for people 

who are 65 or older, as well as for blind or 

disabled people of any age, including children.

To qualify you also must have little or no 

income and few resources. This means that 

the value of the things you own must be less 

than $2,000 if you are single or less than 

$3,000 if you are married. The value of your 

home does not count if you live in it. Usually, 

the value of your car does not count. And the 

value of certain other resources, such as a 

burial plot, may not count either.

To receive SSI, you also must apply for any 

other cash benefits you may be able to get.

You must live in the United States or the 

Northern Mariana Islands to receive SSI. If 

you are not a U.S. citizen, but you are lawfully 

residing in the United States, you still may be 

able to receive SSI. For more information, ask 

for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) For

Noncitizens (Publication No. 05-11051).

The state of New York adds money to the 

federal payment. The state of New York may 

also consider the county or borough where 

you reside when determining how much to 

supplement your SSI payments. Additionally, 

the state of New York considers whether you 

reside in congregate care, also known as group 

home or adult foster care, when determining 

how much to supplement your SSI payments. 

The single payment you get in the beginning 

of each month includes both the federal SSI 

payment and your supplement from New York. 

Medical assistance

If you receive SSI, you can get medical 

assistance (Medicaid) automatically. You will 

receive a separate letter of acceptance and 

Medicaid ID card from the state of New York. 

If you have questions about Medicaid, contact 

your local department of social services.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance 

Program (SNAP)

If you receive SSI, you may be able to get 

help through the Supplemental Nutrition 

Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known 

as food stamps. SNAP can help you buy more 

food without spending more money. However, 

Social Security does not decide if you qualify 

for SNAP. If you live in a household where 

everyone is applying for or receiving SSI, you 

can apply for SNAP at a Social Security office. 

If not, you must apply at your local department 

of social services. 

Other social services

Other services you may be able to 

get through your local Department of 

Social Services:

•	 Homemaker and housekeeper services;

•	 Personal care; 

•	 Money management; and

•	 Assistance in making living arrangements 

in group residences or family-type homes.

For more information, contact your local 

department of social services.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) In New York

(over)
Monthly SSI payment amounts

The amounts include both federal and state payments combined. Not all SSI recipients receive 

the maximum amount. Your payment may be lower if you have other income.

Category 2012 total monthly payment

Person living alone $785.00

Person living with others, but paying his or her own expenses $721.00

Person living in someone else’s household and receiving support 

and maintenance $488.34

Person living in a public general hospital or Medicaid-approved 

long-term facility $55.00 or $35.00*

Couple living alone $1,152.00

Couple living with others, but paying their own expenses $1,094.00

Couple living in someone else’s household and receiving support 

and maintenance 744.67

* Social Security sends recipients a $30 federal SSI benefit and New York state sends recipients an additional 

$25 State Supplemental Personal Needs Allowance (SSPNA) when they reside in a nursing home or a $5 

SSPNA when they reside in any other kind of medical facility.

Contacting Social Security

For more information and to find copies of our publications, visit our website at 

www.socialsecurity.gov or call toll-free, 1-800-772-1213 (for the deaf or hard of hearing, 

call our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778). We treat all calls confidentially. We can answer 

specific questions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. We can provide information by 

automated phone service 24 hours a day.

We also want to make sure you receive accurate and courteous service. That is why we 

have a second Social Security representative monitor some telephone calls.

Social Security Administration

SSA Publication No. 05-11146

January 2012 (Recycle prior editions)