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The SSI program provides monthly income to people who are age 65 or older, or are blind or disabled, and have limited income and financial resources. Effective January 2008 the SSI payment for an eligible individual is $637 per month and $956 per month for an eligible couple. If you are married, and only one person is eligible, a portion of your spouse's income may be counted. In addition, your financial resources (savings and assets you own) cannot exceed $2,000 ($3,000 if married). You can be eligible for SSI even if you have never worked in employment covered under Social Security.

Generally, to be eligible for SSI, an individual also must be a resident of the United States and must be a citizen or a noncitizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Also, some noncitizens granted a special status by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may be eligible.

For more information, you may want to read our publication called SSI (Publication No. 05-11000). You may also want to read our introductory material in the booklet, Understanding SSI.