This is the benefit payment 64 and 65-year-olds should know about. No, it is not Social Security retirement or SSDI. As a matter of fact, it is the Federal SSI program for low-income Americans with limited resources.
If you do not have a disability and you are not blind, being 65 years old is the only way to qualify for SSI payments in the United States. The good thing about this Federal payment is the fact that it is compatible with Social Security.
How much can an SSI payment provide at age 65?
The maximum amount for the Supplemental Security Income is $967 regardless of your age. What really matters is the earnings, resources, and other sources of income you may have.
Thus, if you are on Social Security but your check is low or too low, you may not get the full amount. In fact, the average SSI payment for 65-year-olds is $575 as of December 2024.
If you and your spouse both qualify for SSI payments, you can receive up to $1,450. Only the maximum for an essential person is under 500 dollars. The largest SSI benefit for an essential person is $484.
How can I apply for SSI payments if I am 65 years old?
Once you have checked your SSI eligibility at: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/eligibility#:~:text=SSI%20is%20generally%20for%20individuals,benefits%2C%20unemployment%2C%20and%20pensions. you will have to visit: https://www.ssa.gov/apply/ssi.
First of all, select the “An adult (age 18 and over)” option and tick the box “Supplemental Security Income for Age 65+. You’re 65 or older. And it’s hard to pay for essentials like food, clothing, and a home”. If you need to apply for other benefits, tick the necessary box or boxes.
Then, click on “Learn how to apply“. Have with you your Social Security Number, the name of your birthday place, any income documents you may have, bank statements, household and family members information, marriages and routing and account numbers. If you prefer it, you can set up an appointment, so call +1 800 772 1213 or call TTY +1 800-325-0778 if you are deaf or hard of hearing.