The SSI program is a Federal benefit that helps Americans with a low income and limited resources. The latest average payment for all beneficiaries was $696 as of December 2024. However, the maximum benefit amount was $943 in 2024 and it has become $967 in 2025.
Not all SSI recipients qualify for the full amounts since Social Security may apply reductions when they have other earnings, benefits, or resources. Still, there is also a big difference between average payment in different States.
5 States with the highest average SSI checks
The States of California, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Maryland, and Washington are the 5 States with the highest Supplemental Security Income average payments in December 2024. Check their average payments below:
California $813.82
Pennsylvania $708
Minnesota $705.41
Maryland $700.27
Washington $699.99
Thanks to the Cost of Living Adjustment increase, if you received $813 in 2024, your SSI payment has become $833 in 2025. If you live in one of these States and you have a low income, you should check the requirements to apply for this monthly payment in the USA.
5 States with the lowest average SSI checks
Here are the 5 States with the lowest average SSI payments in the United States as of December 2024.
North Dakota $633.36
Montana $634.51
Alaska $639.97
New Hampshire $643.09
Wyoming $647.43
SSI payments also vary depending on your age. The older you are, the lower your Supplemental Security Income may be. This is because you may be already receiving Social Security retirement benefits.
Thus, you get a reduction and you may not qualify for the full amount. Those aged under 18 receive the largest Supplemental Security checks. As of December 2024, they get about $812 on average.
Those seniors aged 65 years old or older get about $575 on average. Another group that receives a higher average SSI payment than the 65+ group, are those aged 18-64, which receive about $743 on average as of Dec. 2024.
FAQs
1. What is SSI?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides financial assistance to low-income individuals, including elderly, blind, or disabled people, to help meet basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter.
2. How are SSI payments determined?
SSI payments are generally based on income, living arrangements, and resources. The federal payment standard is $914 per month for individuals in 2025, but state supplements can increase the payment depending on local cost of living.
3. Are SSI payments taxable?
In most cases, SSI payments are not taxable. However, if you have additional sources of income, such as wages or other benefits, you may need to file taxes if your total income exceeds the filing threshold.
4. Why do some states offer higher SSI payments than others?
States with higher cost-of-living or higher income levels often provide state supplements to help recipients maintain an adequate standard of living. This is done to bridge the gap between the federal SSI base amount and the actual cost of living.
5. How much are the average SSI payments in these states?
SSI payments in top states can range from the federal $914 per month for individuals to around $1,000 or more per month, depending on the state supplement. Payments vary based on factors such as living arrangements and income level.