Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

In New York

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) In New York

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. 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 get 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 get SSI. If you

are not a U.S. citizen, but you are a resident, you still may be able to get SSI. For

more information, ask for a copy of

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) For

Noncitizens (Publication No. 05-11051).

The state of New York adds money to

the federal payment. The single payment

you get in the beginning of each month

includes both the federal SSI payment and

your supplement from New York. 

What is SSI?

If you get 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.

If you get SSI, you may be able to get

food stamps. Food stamps can help you buy

more food without spending more money.

However, Social Security does not decide if

you can get food stamps. If you live in a

household where everyone is applying for

or getting SSI, you can apply for food

stamps at a Social Security office. If not,

you must apply at your local department of

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 familytype homes.

For more information, contact your local

department of social services.

Other social services

Food stamps

Medical assistance

(over)

www.socialsecurity.gov

2006
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.

*Social Security sends recipients a $30 federal SSI benefit and New York State sends a $25 State

Supplemental Personal Needs Allowance (SSPNA) if residing in a nursing home or a $5 SSPNA if 

residing in any other kind of medical facility.

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 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 treat all calls confidentially. 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.

Contacting Social Security

Category 2006 total monthly payment

Person living alone $690.00

Person living with others, but paying his or her own expenses $626.00

Person living in someone else’s household and receiving support 

and maintenance $425.00

Person living in a public general hospital or Medicaid-approved 

long-term facility $35.00 or $55.00*

Couple living alone $1008.00

Couple living with others, but paying their own expenses $950.00

Couple living in someone else’s household and receiving support 

and maintenance $648.67

Monthly SSI payment amounts

Social Security Administration

SSA Publication No. 05-11146

www.socialsecurity.gov March 2006 (Destroy prior editions)