Which States Add Extra Money to Your SSI Check

How state supplements work with federal SSI

Some states add their own money to the federal SSI payment you receive each month. This extra amount, called a state supplement, goes directly into your bank account along with your federal SSI check. The supplement varies by state — some states pay it, some don't, and the amount ranges from a few dollars to over $100 per month depending on where you live and your household situation.

The federal government sets the base SSI amount, which is the same everywhere. But states can choose to add money on top of that. A few states have stopped offering supplements in recent years, while others have adjusted their amounts. If you move to a different state, your supplement amount may change or disappear entirely.

You don't apply separately for a state supplement. If you live in a state that offers one and you already receive SSI, the state handles the paperwork and adds the supplement to your payment automatically. The Social Security Administration (SSA) processes both the federal and state portions together.

Key Takeaways

• State supplements are extra monthly payments added to your federal SSI check, and the amount depends entirely on which state you live in.
• Not all states offer supplements, and the ones that do vary widely in how much they pay — from around $10 to $150 per month.
• You receive the state supplement automatically if you live in a participating state and already receive SSI; no separate application is needed.
• If you move to a different state, contact Social Security to report the change, because your supplement amount will likely change.
• Your state's Medicaid rules may be tied to your SSI status, so a change in your SSI amount could affect your health coverage.

Which states currently offer supplements

As of 2024, about half of U.S. states offer some form of state SSI supplement. The states that pay supplements are: Alaska, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

The amount each state pays varies significantly. Some states pay a flat amount to everyone who receives SSI. Others adjust the supplement based on your living situation — for example, whether you live alone, with family, or in a group home. A few states tie the supplement to your income or resources, meaning the amount changes if your circumstances change.

States that do not currently offer supplements include: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, and West Virginia. If you live in one of these states, you receive only the federal SSI payment.

How much the supplement typically is

State supplements range from about $10 per month to over $150 per month, depending on the state and your living arrangement. California, for example, pays one of the highest supplements in the country. Alaska also pays a substantial supplement. Smaller supplements might be $15 to $30 per month in states that offer them.

Some states use a tiered system based on where you live. If you live in your own home or apartment, you might receive one amount. If you live in a group home or with family members, the supplement might be different. A few states pay a higher supplement if you live alone and a lower one if you live with others who share expenses.

The supplement amount can change from year to year. Some states increase their supplements annually to account for inflation, while others keep the amount the same for several years. Check with your state's Social Security office or your state's human services department if you want to know the exact current amount for your situation.

What happens when you move to a different state

If you move from a state that offers supplements to one that doesn't, your monthly payment will drop. You'll lose the state supplement entirely, though your federal SSI amount stays the same. If you move to a state with a different supplement amount, your payment will adjust up or down depending on that state's rules.

You must report your move to Social Security within 10 days. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office in person. Bring proof of your new address, such as a lease, utility bill, or mail from a government agency. Social Security will update your address and notify your state's supplement program.

Your state's Medicaid program may also be affected by a move. Some states tie Medicaid coverage to SSI status, so a change in your SSI amount could affect whether you stay covered. Contact your state's Medicaid office after you move to make sure your health coverage continues without a gap.

How the supplement appears on your payment stub

When you receive your SSI payment, your payment stub or online account will show both the federal amount and the state supplement amount separately. This makes it easy to see exactly how much is federal and how much is state. If you use direct deposit, both amounts go into your bank account as a single deposit.

If you check your Social Security account online through my Social Security (ssa.gov), you can see a breakdown of your payment. The federal portion and state supplement will be listed separately. If you receive a paper check, the stub attached to the check will show the breakdown.

Keep your payment stubs or print copies from your online account. You may need them as proof of income for housing, food assistance, or other programs. The breakdown shows exactly what you received and when, which can be important for your records.

State supplements and other benefits you receive

Receiving a state supplement does not change your may be able to access for other programs like food assistance (SNAP), housing assistance, or Medicaid. The supplement is counted as income for some programs and not for others, depending on how each program's rules are written. Contact the specific program to find out whether the state supplement affects your benefits.

Some states have their own rules about how the supplement interacts with other assistance. For example, a few states reduce other benefits if your SSI payment (including the supplement) goes above a certain amount. This is rare, but it's worth checking with your state's human services department if you're concerned about how the supplement might affect other help you receive.

If you receive SSI and are working, the state supplement is treated the same way as the federal SSI payment for work incentive purposes. The Ticket to Work program and other work incentives apply to your total SSI payment, including the state supplement.

How to find out your state's supplement amount

The easiest way to find your state's current supplement amount is to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask. They can tell you exactly what your state pays and whether your situation qualifies for any adjustments. Have your state ready when you call.

You can also contact your state's human services or social services department directly. Most states have a website listing SSI supplement amounts and rules. Search for "[your state name] SSI supplement" to find the official page. Some states call it a "state supplement," while others use different names like "optional state supplement" or "state payment."

If you already receive SSI, your payment stub shows your current supplement amount. If you're not yet receiving SSI but think you might be may be able to access, contact Social Security to start the process. They can tell you whether your state offers a supplement and what amount you would receive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to do anything to get the state supplement?

No. If you live in a state that offers supplements and you already receive SSI, the state adds the supplement to your payment automatically. You don't fill out a separate form or make a request. Social Security and your state handle it behind the scenes.

What if I move and my supplement goes down?

Report your move to Social Security within 10 days. Your supplement will change to match your new state's rules. If the new amount is lower, your total monthly payment will drop. Plan your budget accordingly, and check whether you now may have access to for other assistance programs that might help make up the difference.

Can I get back pay if my state increases its supplement?

Usually no. When a state increases its supplement amount, the new rate applies going forward, not to past months. However, if Social Security made an error and you should have been receiving a higher supplement, you may be owed back pay. Contact Social Security to ask about your specific situation.

Does the state supplement count as income for housing or food assistance?

It depends on the program. Some programs count all of your SSI payment (federal plus state) as income. Others count only the federal portion. Contact the specific program you're interested in to find out how they treat the state supplement.

What if my state stops offering supplements?

If your state discontinues its supplement program, you would stop receiving that extra money. Your federal SSI payment would continue. A few states have ended their programs in recent years. If this happens, Social Security will notify you in advance so you can plan for the change.