SSI in New York

New York adds its own payment, the SSP, to the federal SSI check. If your check runs short before the month ends, that state money helps. The state pays it, not Social Security, and the amount depends on where you live and who you live with. You apply once, with Social Security, and New York decides the state part.

If you're new to SSI, start with how SSI works for people 65 and older. This page covers New York: the 2026 state supplement, Medicaid, and where to get help.

You may qualify if

• You are 65 or older and live in New York.
• Your income is low, compared with the amounts in the table below. Social Security and the state take 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 one car don't count.

Not sure you qualify? Apply anyway, because Social Security and the state make 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 SSP pay in New York in 2026

These are the most you can get, from OTDA's 2026 chart. Social Security subtracts your other income, after the first $20, from the federal part.

Who pays the state part?

New York pays the state part, through OTDA. Social Security shares your SSI application with the state, and the state decides your SSP. It comes the same way you get SSI, such as direct deposit, OTDA says. OTDA posts the payment dates on its site. When the first of the month falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment comes the business day before.

Report a move, a change in income, or someone moving in or out to Social Security. If someone moves in or out, tell the state SSP office too, within 10 days, even if your address stays the same. The state needs to hear it from you, OTDA says.

Do I get Medicaid with SSI in New York?

Yes, you get Medicaid with SSI in New York, because anyone eligible for SSP is automatically eligible for Medicaid, OTDA says. With Medicaid and Medicare, the state pays the $202.90 a month Medicare costs you, usually taken out of your Social Security check. If no Medicaid card comes, call your county Department of Social Services. In New York City, call the Human Resources Administration's Medicaid Helpline at 1-888-692-6116.

If SSI turns you down because of savings, you may still get Medicaid. Its 2026 savings limit is $33,038 for one person. See Medicare and Medicaid in New York.

What else can SSI help with in New York?

• Food: If Social Security codes you as living alone on SSI, food benefits can start on their own, with no separate form. They come from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), once called food stamps. See SNAP for seniors in New York.
• Heat: SSI for a person living alone counts as proof for heating help from the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Regular HEAP takes applications from November 2, 2026. See HEAP in New York.
• Utility deposits: Gas and electric companies can't ask you for a deposit if you get SSI.

How to apply for SSI and SSP in New York

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. There's no online SSI application, OTDA notes.
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 who lives with you and who pays the rent, because that sets your state amount.
4. Wait for the answers, since Social Security decides SSI and New York decides SSP.
5. Get free help from NY Connects (1-800-342-9871), which can help you apply for Medicaid and SNAP. In New York City, call Aging Connect at 212-244-6469, and for Medicare questions, call 1-800-701-0501. That's the Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP), New York's free Medicare counseling.

If you are turned down

For SSI, you have 60 days to appeal to Social Security in writing. For Medicaid, ask for a fair hearing at 1-800-342-3334 or online at otda.ny.gov.

What a Pair Team advocate does

New Yorkers who call us about SSI are often behind on rent or heat, or waiting on a Medicaid card. Here's what we do:

• Check in one call if you may get SSI, SSP and Medicaid.
• Set up the Social Security appointment with you, and follow up until you get both answers.
• Help you report a move or a new roommate on time, to Social Security and to the state.
• Help with what usually comes with it: SNAP, HEAP, 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 $1,081?

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 $87 from the state, for $601. Your total income would be $1,101.

My Social Security is too high for SSI. Can I still get SSP?

You may still get SSP, because OTDA has rules for people who get SSP but not SSI. Apply with Social Security, and New York will check you for SSP.

I live in an adult home. Does SSI pay more?

Yes, SSI pays more in an adult home or enriched housing. There, SSI and SSP pay up to $1,688 a month for one person in 2026. You keep at least $262 for personal needs. A family care home pays less: $1,222.48, or $1,260.48 in New York City, Nassau, Rockland, Suffolk and Westchester. See Assisted Living Program in New York.

How do I get proof of my SSP?

To get proof of your SSP, use the mySSP portal on the OTDA site, or call the SSP office at 1-855-488-0541. The office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and you should allow at least 10 business days for the letter.

Do I get Extra Help with drug costs too?

Yes, with SSI and Medicare you get Extra Help without a form. In 2026, you pay no more than $5.10 for a generic drug.

Sources

• New York State Supplement Program (SSP), NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
• 2026 SSI and SSP Maximum Monthly Benefit Levels Chart, NYS OTDA
• SSI Federal Payment Amounts for 2026, Social Security Administration
• State Publishes SSI Benefit Chart for 2026 Including Rates for ACFs, LeadingAge New York
• Understanding SSI: Income, Social Security Administration
• Understanding SSI: Reporting Responsibilities, Social Security Administration
• Understanding SSI: Resources, Social Security Administration
• Understanding SSI: SSI and Other Government Programs, Social Security Administration
• Understanding SSI: Documents You May Need, Social Security Administration
• Understanding SSI: Appeals Process, Social Security Administration
• Medicare Savings Program 2026 (includes full Medicaid limits), New York State Department of Health
• Health Assistance, NYC Human Resources Administration
• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), NYS OTDA
• Your Rights as a Residential Gas, Electric or Steam Customer under HEFPA, NYS Department of Public Service
• Request a Fair Hearing, NYS OTDA
• NY Connects, NYS Office for the Aging
• NYC Aging
• HIICAP, NYS Office for the Aging
• Help with drug costs, Medicare.gov