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Does Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Pay for Assisted Living?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
Reviewed by:
Kristi Bickmann, a licensed Long-Term Care Specialist, represents top-rated "Traditional" & "Hybrid" LTC companies. Serving associations such as the American Nurses Association, she's a licensed insurance agent in 27 states. Specializing in insurance products for seniors, Kristi helps hundreds of families every year protect assets, retirement, and loved ones. She understands aging concerns firsthand, having assisted her own parents. Kristi ensures accuracy on topics about senior long-term care and its consequences.
The federal Supplemental Security Income program doesn’t pay for assisted living. SSI benefits cover basic needs, such as food, clothing and shelter, for people with limited income and financial resources. The benefits don’t extend to assisted living services, such as long-term support and help with daily activities, including grooming and managing medications.
As of 2023, if you qualify for federal SSI benefits, you can receive up to $914 per month, along with any supplemental amount paid in your state. Although you receive these funds directly to use for your living expenses, the average assisted living community charged $4,500 per month for room, board and other services as of 2021.
Who qualifies for SSI?
In general, you may be eligible for SSI if you earn less than $1,000 a month and own no more than $2,000 in assets. Your living arrangement also plays a role in eligibility. If you have to spend time in a nursing home or long-term care facility with more than half the costs covered by Medicaid, the Social Security Administration reduces the amount of your SSI benefits.
Do other government programs pay for assisted living?
Many people who receive SSI also receive health benefits through Medicaid. Some states have Medicaid waiver programs that offer coverage for assisted living services. The amount of coverage and the specific eligibility requirements vary, so review the current rules in your state to see if you qualify.