SSI/SSP Programs (2024)

The SSI Program is a federally funded program which provides income support to eligible individuals who are aged 65 or older, blind or disabled. SSI benefits are also available to qualified blind or disabled children. The SSP Program is the state program which augments SSI. Both SSI and SSP benefits are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Eligibility for both programs is determined by SSA using federal criteria. If an eligible individual qualifies for SSI, they qualify for SSP. The benefits are in the form of cash assistance.

To apply for SSI/SSP, please visit your local Social Security office (find the nearest SSA office) or phone 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Individuals Who May be Eligible for SSI/SSP

Are aged 65 or over or blind or disabled;
File an application for SSI/SSP;
Meet income and resource limits;
Are a U.S. citizen, or a non-citizen who has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence and meet certain special conditions, and are a U.S. resident;
Do not reside in a public institution;
Apply for benefits from all other programs for which they may qualify.

Individuals who are ineligible for SSI/SSP solely due to their immigration status, may be eligible for Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI). Please refer to the CAPI Webpage for more information.

Golden State Grant (GSG) and SSI/SSP Recipients

Recent California legislation authorized a one-time supplemental SSP payment in the amount of $600 to SSI/SSP recipients to provide relief from hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Payments in the amount of $600 were automatically mailed out in 2021. For additional information on the GSG please see the following link GSG for SSI/SSP and CAPI Recipients Webpage.

Guiding Authority

Statutes

State SSP Statute: Welfare and Institutions Code, Div. 9, Part 3, Chap. 3, Section 12000 et seq.
Federal SSI Statute: Social Security Act, Title XVI (42 USC §1381 Note et seq.

Regulations and Policy

State SSP Regulations: Manual of Policies and Procedures, Division 46-100, Section 46-105 et seq.
Federal Regulations: 20 CFR §416.101 et seq.
Federal SSI Policy: Social Security Administration Policy and Operations Manual System, Chapter SI 005 et seq.

Publications and Information

Letters and Notices

CFL18/19-06 (August 10, 2018)
Fiscal Year 2018-19 Non-Medical Out-Of-Home Care General Fund Allocation
ACL 16-34 (May 3, 2016)
Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) Redeterminations – Clarification Regarding Supplementary Security Income (SSI) Referrals
ACL14-55 (September 10, 2014)
Termination of State Funding for Supplementary Security Income Advocacy Programs (SSIAP) for Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)
ACIN I-93-08 (December 2, 2008)
January 2009 Cost-of-Living Adjustments that Affect the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) and CAPI Benefit Amount When Spouse Receives SSI/SSP
ACIN I-76-08 (November 7, 2008)
Publication Of Social Security Income Pamphlets
ACL 04-37 (September 17, 2004)
Supplemental Security Income Advocacy Programs for Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants
ACIN I-07-04 (January 28, 2004)
Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) Eligibility for Refugees Discontinued from the Supplementary Security Income/State Supplementary Payment Program
ACL 03-04 (January 27, 2003)
January 2003 Social Security Title II (Retirement, Survivor's And Disability Insurance) And Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment Program) Cost Of Living Adjustment And Related Issues That Affect In-Home Supportive Services Recipients
ACL 02-11 (January 25, 2002)
January 2002 Social Security Title II (Retirement, Survivor's And Disability Insurance [RSDI] And Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment [SSI/SSP] Program) Cost Of Living Adjustments (COLA) And Related Issues That Affect In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Recipients
ACL 09-01 (January 22, 2001)
January 2001 Social Security Title II (Retirement, Surviviors And Disability Insurance (RSDI) And Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) Program), Cost Of Living Adjustments (COLA), And Related Issues That Affect In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Recipients.
ACL 99-102 (December 8, 1999)
January 2000 Social Security Title II (Retirement, Survivor's And Disability Insurance [RSDI] and Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment [SSI/SSP] Program) Cost Of Living Adjustments (COLA) and Related Issues That Affect In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Recipients.
ACL 98-92 (December 7, 1998)
January 1999 Social Security Title II (Retirement, Survivor's And Disability Insurance (RSDI) And Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) Program) Cost Of Living Adjustments (COLA) And Related Issues That Affect In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Recipients.
ACL 98-05 (January 14, 1998)
January 1998 Social Security Title II (Retirement, Survivor's And Disability Insurance [RSDI]) And Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment [SSI/SSP] Program) Cost Of Living Adjustments (COLA) And Related Issues That Affect In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Recipients
ACL 98-04 (January 14, 1998)
Restoration Of The December 1995 4.9 Percent Reduction Of Title XVI Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment Program (SSI/SSP) Benefit Level Affecting In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Recipients
ACL 97-43 (August 8, 1997)
Processing Of Terminated Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) And Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Cash Benefits To In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Recipients Based On No Longer Disabled, Including Drug Addition And/Or Alcoholism (DA&A)
ACL 96-70 Errata (December 17, 1996)
January 1997 Social Security Title II (Retirement, Survivor’s And Disability Insurance [RSDI] And Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment [SSI/SSP] Program) Cost Of Living Adjustments (COLA) And Related Issues That Affect In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Recipients
ACL 96-70 (December 17, 1996)
January 1997 Social Security Title II (Retirement, Survivor’s And Disability Insurance [RSDI] And Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment [SSI/SSP] Program) Cost Of Living Adjustments (COLA) And Related Issues That Affect In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Recipients
ACIN I-05-96 (January 29, 1996)
Transmittal Of New SSP 17 Form For Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) Drug Addicts And Alcoholics (DA&A)