SSI in Nevada

Nevada adds a small payment to the federal SSI check for people 65 and older and people who are blind. Social Security pays both together at the start of each month. If your rent went up again and a small Social Security check is all you have, SSI may fill part of the gap. In Nevada, it's also the main road to full Medicaid at 65.

If you're new to SSI, start with how SSI works for people 65 and older. Nevada's other offices are on Medicare help in Nevada.

You may qualify if

• You are 65 or older and live in Nevada.
• Your countable income is under $1,030.40 a month if you live on your own. Social Security takes off the first $20 and some other income first.
• What you own that counts is worth less than $2,000, or $3,000 for a couple. Your home and usually one car don't count.

Not sure you qualify? Apply anyway, because Social Security makes the call and some of your income may not count. If you would rather not do it alone, a Pair Team advocate can help you apply.

How much SSI and Nevada pay in 2026

These are the most you can get, from Social Security's 2026 sheet for Nevada. Social Security subtracts your other income, after the first $20, from the federal part first. People who are blind get more when they live on their own: $1,103.30 for one person.

Who gets Nevada's add-on?

Nevada pays its add-on to people on SSI who are 65 or older or blind, Social Security says. Most people under 65 with a disability get only the federal SSI amount. One exception is a person with a disability whose spouse is 65 or older or blind. You don't file anything extra, because the add-on comes with your SSI.

The group care rate is for a home that gives personal care but isn't a medical place. It can be a private home or a group home for 16 people or fewer, and the owner can't be your relative. Social Security calls this domiciliary care. If you move into one, tell Social Security so your amount changes.

Do I get Medicaid with SSI in Nevada?

You don't get Nevada Medicaid automatically with SSI, but SSI usually makes you eligible, so apply right away. Nevada is one of eight states that make their own Medicaid decision for people on SSI, Social Security's list shows. Apply with DSS at accessnevada.nv.gov or on form 2920-EM. With Medicaid and Medicare, the state pays the $202.90 a month Medicare costs you, usually taken out of your Social Security check.

If SSI turns you down because your income is too high, you may still get help with Medicare costs. See Medicare Savings Programs in Nevada and Medicare and Medicaid in Nevada.

What else comes with SSI in Nevada?

• Food: If everyone in your home gets or is applying for SSI, you can apply for food benefits at a Social Security office. They come from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), once called food stamps. See SNAP for seniors in Nevada.
• Drug costs: With SSI and Medicare, you get Extra Help with no form. In 2026, you pay no more than $5.10 for a generic drug.

How to apply for SSI in Nevada

1. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and ask for an SSI appointment. One application covers SSI and Nevada's add-on.
2. Bring your papers, like proof of age and citizenship or immigration status, bank statements, award letters and your lease. Bring originals, not photocopies.
3. Say exactly where you live and who pays the rent, because that sets your amount.
4. Apply for Medicaid too. Once you have your SSI letter, apply with DSS at accessnevada.nv.gov or call 1-800-992-0900.
5. Get free help from the Medicare Assistance Program (MAP), Nevada's free Medicare counseling, at 1-800-307-4444. MAP can also tell you about Medicaid and Extra Help, the Aging and Disability Services Division says. MAP and Pair Team don't sell plans.

If you are turned down

For SSI, you have 60 days to appeal to Social Security in writing. For Medicaid or SNAP, ask DSS for a hearing in writing within 90 days of your notice. The hearings office is at 702-486-1910.

What a Pair Team advocate does

People in Nevada who call us about SSI are often short on rent, or they got SSI and never heard about Medicaid. Here's what we do:

• Check in one call if you may get SSI, Medicaid or a Medicare Savings Program.
• Set up the Social Security appointment with you, then file your Medicaid application with DSS.
• Help you report a move to a group home or a new roommate on time.
• Help with what usually comes with it: SNAP, power bills, rides and housing.

An advocate is covered by Medicare if you qualify. It takes two minutes to find out.

Check if you qualify for a Pair Team advocate

Frequently asked questions

Why is my check lower than $1,030.40?

Your check is lower when you have other income, because Social Security subtracts it after the first $20. If you get $500 a month from Social Security, federal SSI would be $514, plus $36.40 from Nevada, for $550.40. Your total income would be $1,050.40.

Did Nevada's add-on go up in 2026?

Nevada's add-on did not go up in 2026. The federal part rose to $994 for one person in January, but Nevada's $36.40 has stayed the same since at least 2011.

I'm under 65 with a disability. Will I get the Nevada add-on?

You usually won't get the Nevada add-on if you're under 65 with a disability, unless your spouse is 65 or older or blind. You can still get the federal SSI amount, $994 a month in 2026.

I applied for SSI months ago. Can Medicaid pay old bills?

Medicaid can pay old bills from up to three months before the month you applied, DSS says. So apply with DSS as soon as you can, and list any recent medical bills on the form.

What changes do I have to report?

You have to report changes in income, savings, where you live or who lives with you to Social Security. Do it by the 10th of the month after the change, because late reports can cost you.

Sources

• Supplemental Security Income in Nevada, Publication 05-11106, Social Security Administration
• State Assistance Programs for SSI Recipients, January 2011: Nevada, Social Security Administration
• SI 01715.020 List of State Medicaid Programs for the Aged, Blind and Disabled, SSA Program Operations Manual
• SSI Federal Payment Amounts for 2026, Social Security Administration
• Understanding SSI: Income, Social Security Administration
• Understanding SSI: Documents You May Need, Social Security Administration
• Understanding SSI: Reporting Responsibilities, Social Security Administration
• Understanding SSI: Appeals Process, Social Security Administration
• Medical Assistance Manual, Appendix C (state supplement schedule), Nevada Division of Social Services
• General Medical Information, Nevada Division of Social Services
• Apply for Assistance (Medicaid), Nevada Division of Social Services
• Administrative Adjudications Unit, Nevada Division of Social Services
• Medicare Assistance Program, Aging and Disability Services Division
• Help with drug costs, Medicare.gov
• 2026 Medicare Parts A and B Premiums and Deductibles, CMS