Extra Payment of Up to $994: Who Can Receive It in Addition to Social Security

People who receive a low Social Security check could qualify for another federal benefit of up to $994 per month in 2026, as long as they meet the requirements.

This is Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a program that can supplement the income of some people who already receive Social Security benefits. Receiving a retirement or disability check, therefore, does not automatically prevent someone from receiving SSI.

• Why it matters: For someone living on limited income, not knowing that both benefits can be received at the same time could mean missing out on significant monthly assistance.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Can Pay Up to $994 a Month in 2026

SSI is intended for people with limited income and resources who are also 65 or older, blind, or have a disability that meets the program’s requirements.

• In 2026, the maximum federal benefit is $994 per month for an individual and $1,491 for an eligible couple, following the 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) applied this year.

That does not mean everyone who qualifies will receive $994. The final amount may be reduced depending on income, living arrangements and, in some cases, the income of certain family members. Some states also provide an additional supplement to the federal payment.

Can You Receive Social Security and This Assistance at the Same Time?

Yes. One of the key points about SSI and Social Security benefits is that receiving Social Security counts as income, but it does not necessarily eliminate eligibility for SSI.

• For 2026, the SSA lists a monthly income limit of $1,014 for an individual whose income comes exclusively from sources other than work, while the limit for a couple is $1,511.
• The agency itself warns that a person could have income above those limits and still be eligible because not all income is counted in the same way.

Therefore, having a small Social Security check alone is not enough to determine whether someone qualifies.

Your Savings Can Also Determine Whether You Qualify for SSI

SSI does not look only at how much money comes in each month. The SSA also considers certain resources owned by the person, such as money in bank accounts.

In 2026, the general limits are:

• $2,000 for an individual.
• $3,000 for a couple.

Not all possessions count toward these limits, so exceeding those amounts when adding up all of a person’s assets does not necessarily mean they are disqualified.

As for employment income, the SSA states that SSI is generally intended for people who earn no more than $2,073 per month from work, although different rules and limits apply depending on each person’s circumstances.

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Turning 65 Can Open the Door Even Without a Disability

Another important point for retirees is age. A person who is 65 or older does not need to have a disability to receive SSI if they meet the other requirements.

For people who are 64 or younger, the rules are different: they generally must have a disability that affects their ability to work for at least one year, can result in death or, in the case of children, substantially limits their daily activities.

• What comes next: If your monthly Social Security check is low, the amount you receive is only one part of the evaluation.

The SSA will also review your other income, resources, age or disability, and living situation before determining whether you can receive this additional assistance and how much you may be entitled to receive.