Social Security benefits, including retirement, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), can all be used to pay for assisted living. Also, many states provide optional state supplement (OSS) payments to people who receive SSI benefits. Because Social Security benefits won’t usually cover the entire monthly cost of assisted living, residents will likely still need to pay some themselves. However, these benefits can help make assisted living more affordable.
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Because Social Security benefit payments are made directly to recipients, they’re free to use the money as they see fit, including to pay for assisted living.
The four types of Social Security benefits are:
| Benefit | Who qualifies | What families should know |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security retirement | Workers 62+ with sufficient work history | Average benefit about $2,084/month; based on work history and claiming age |
| SSDI | People unable to work because of disability | Average benefit about $1,635/month; converts to retirement benefits at full retirement age |
| SSI | Older adults or people with disabilities with limited income/resources | Needs-based; maximum federal benefit $994/month in 2026 |
| State SSI supplement (OSS) | SSI recipients in participating states | Available only in some states; payment amount and recipient vary |
Social Security retirement benefits are provided to people and their spouses who are at least 62 years of age and who have worked and paid into the Social Security system long enough to qualify.[01] While the total monthly amount depends on how much the person paid into Social Security during their career, the average monthly Social Security retirement benefit in 2026 is about $2,080,[02] or less than half the median cost of assisted living in 2026.[03]
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people who are no longer able to work because of a disability that’s expected to last longer than one year or result in death.[04] The disability must also prevent them from doing work they’ve done in the past and from adjusting to other types of work. Once someone who is receiving SSDI benefits reaches full retirement age, their monthly payment is converted to the Social Security retirement benefit. Spouses and dependents may also be eligible for SSDI benefits.[04]
The monthly SSDI payment amount depends on how much a person earned when they were working. In 2026, the average monthly benefit is about $1,635.[02] Some people qualify for SSDI benefits as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
SSI benefits are for people who have low incomes and who are disabled or who are 65 years of age or older.[05] There is no work history requirement to receive SSI benefits. Monthly benefit amounts depend on a person’s income, assets, living situation, and other factors. In 2026, for someone age 65 and older, the average monthly SSI payment is about $611 and the maximum monthly payment is $994[02,06].
Often, people who qualify for SSI also qualify for Medicaid, which can help pay for care services related to assisted living.
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Optional state supplementation (OSS) benefits are offered by some states to people who already receive federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These programs provide additional payments that can help offset the cost of assisted living, but availability and benefit amounts vary by state and are often tied to local cost of living.[07]
OSS programs are administered differently depending on the state. In some cases, they’re managed entirely at the state level. In others, they’re jointly administered by the state and the federal government as part of the SSI program. Like federal benefits, OSS typically requires an application to determine eligibility and monthly payment amounts.
Federal SSI payments are usually deposited directly into the recipient’s bank account.[07] Depending on the state and program structure, OSS payments may also be paid directly to the individual or sent to the assisted living community on the resident’s behalf.
Use the guide below to find your loved one’s state and see whether it offers OSS benefits and how those programs work.
Alabama doesn’t provide a state supplement to SSI recipients who reside in an assisted living community.[08]
In Alaska, the Adult Public Assistance program offers a $30 monthly state supplementary payment to an individual living in an assisted living community.[09]
Arizona doesn’t offer an optional state supplement to people who receive SSI, regardless of where they live.[08]
Arkansas doesn’t offer an optional state supplement to people who receive SSI, regardless of where they live.[08]
In 2026, California provides a monthly SSI state supplement of about $630 to residents of assisted living communities. Because the Social Security Administration oversees the supplement for California, beneficiaries get a single payment that combines the federal and state aid.
The Aid to the Needy Disabled-Colorado Supplement program provides a supplement of up to $994 per month to residents age 59 and younger. Recipients must receive SSI benefits due to a disability or blindness but can’t be receiving the full SSI benefit.[11]
Additionally, the Old Age Pension program in Colorado provides up to $1,032 monthly for eligible seniors age 60 and older with limited resources. Their income from Social Security, SSI, and other sources may reduce their monthly assisted living payment. The program is funded entirely by the state.[11]
The State Supplement to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled program provides cash assistance to help pay the cost of assisted living in Connecticut. If a senior meets certain eligibility requirements, the state will further examine their financial situation to determine their cash benefit. The state allows a higher income limit for assisted living residents because it factors in monthly costs for residing there when determining financial eligibility.[12]
Delaware provides a state supplement of $140 to certain seniors who receive SSI benefits and reside in assisted living communities. Generally, the payment amount depends on the level of assistance they’re receiving.[13]
Florida provides an optional state supplement of $991 in 2026 paid directly to assisted living communities to help eligible seniors cover the cost of room and board. The state also provides a $160 personal needs allowance that’s kept by the resident.[14]
While Georgia’s Medicaid plan doesn’t offer an optional state supplement to help seniors pay for assisted living, it does provide $70 per month to seniors who live in a nursing home.[15]
Hawaii provides an optional state supplement to residents of assisted living communities, which the state also refers to as adult residential care homes.[16] For communities with five or fewer residents, the combined monthly federal SSI and state supplement for 2026 is $1,823. Residents in communities with more than five residents receive $1,931 per month. Because the Social Security Administration oversees the program, residents receive a single payment for both federal and state assistance.
Idaho provides a small state supplement to SSI for seniors in assisted living through the Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled cash assistance program. The amount depends on the type of living arrangement and the cost of the community.[17]
Illinois’ Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled cash assistance program can help seniors pay for assisted living if they’re receiving SSI benefits or if they’ve been denied SSI due to their income. The state factors in income, resources, and expenses when determining the payment amount.[18]
The Residential Care Assistance Program can help Indiana seniors pay for assisted living if they’re receiving Medicaid or SSI benefits. The state pays the supplement directly to approved communities on behalf of the resident.[19]
Iowa’s State Supplementary Assistance program may provide payments to seniors who receive SSI benefits or would receive SSI if not for excess income. The program offers cash assistance in six different categories, one of which is intended for people in residential care communities. In 2026, residential care residents can receive $130 for a personal needs allowance and up to a $38.47 per diem for cost-related expenses.[20]
In Kansas, the State Supplement Payment Program provides cash assistance to residents whose SSI benefit is reduced due to Medicaid paying for at least half of their assisted living costs.[21]
Kentucky provides a state supplement to help residents pay for an assisted living community, which the state refers to as a personal care home. In 2026, the state supplement for a personal care home resident equals $1,610 per month, minus their countable income. As an example, for someone who receives an SSI benefit of $994, their monthly state supplement payment is $616.[22]
Louisiana provides up to $15 as an optional state supplement to some residents of long-term care communities, which may include assisted living. The benefit is intended to help them pay for personal needs.[23]
Seniors in Maine can get a state supplement to pay for assisted living if they’re receiving SSI benefits or would receive SSI if not for their income.[24]
Maryland’s Senior Assisted Living Subsidy can help eligible seniors pay for services in an assisted living community.[25] The individual must live in an assisted living community that’s entered into an agreement with the local Area Agency on Aging, and subsidies are sent directly to the community. The maximum payment is $1,056 per month. Financial eligibility isn’t based on SSI benefits but rather is available to seniors whose income is at or less than 60% of the state median income.
The State Supplement Program in Massachusetts provides cash assistance on top of SSI benefits, which can be used to help pay for assisted living. If a senior resides in assisted living, the state supplement is $454.00 in 2026.[26]
Michigan provides a state supplement to the SSI benefit for seniors in several types of assisted living, including domiciliary care, personal care, and home for the aged communities.[27] In 2026, the supplement ranges from $157.50 to $179.30, depending on the living arrangement. Because Social Security administers the program for Michigan, residents receive a single payment with the combined federal and state assistance.
Minnesota Supplement Aid can provide additional cash assistance to seniors who are receiving SSI benefits and those who didn’t get SSI because their income was too high.[28] While the payments vary depending on where a senior lives, they can be used to help pay for assisted living.
Mississippi doesn’t provide an optional state supplement to seniors receiving SSI benefits, regardless of where they live.[08]
In Missouri, the Supplemental Nursing Care program can help seniors pay for care in an assisted living community and other types of long-term care facilities.[29] The maximum payment for the resident of an assisted living community is $292 per month.
Montana provides a state supplement to help seniors receiving SSI benefits pay for care in assisted living communities, which the state refers to as personal care facilities. The maximum state supplement for a resident of a personal care facility is $94.[30] Because Social Security administers the payments, residents will receive a single payment with the combined federal and state assistance.
Nebraska’s Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled program provides cash assistance that can help seniors pay for assisted living.[31] The program is intended for people who are ineligible for Medicaid, and for people who’ve been denied SSI benefits because their disability is expected to last less than a year.
In Nevada, a senior residing in an assisted living community with 16 or fewer people can get a state supplement to their SSI benefit.[32] In 2026, the state supplement for someone in this type of assisted living arrangement is $391 on top of the federal benefit. Social Security administers the benefit for the state, so residents receive a single payment that combines both the federal and state aid.[32,33]
New Hampshire’s State Supplement Program can help seniors pay for assisted living. It may provide cash assistance to people who are blind, disabled, or age 65 and older.[34] The payment amount depends on the applicant’s income and living arrangement.
New Jersey provides a state supplement to SSI benefits that can help seniors pay for assisted living. In 2025, the state supplement for an assisted living resident is about $210. Because the Social Security Administration oversees the program for New Jersey, residents receive a single payment that combines the federal and state aid.[35]
In New Mexico, the state provides a supplement to SSI recipients who reside in assisted living communities, which are referred to as adult residential care homes.[36]
New York provides a state supplement to most SSI recipients. In 2024, the supplement ranges from $435 to $694 for individuals in assisted living, depending on the level of care and where they live.[37]
The State and County Special Assistance program in North Carolina provides a supplement to help seniors pay for room and board in adult care homes, family care homes, and group homes.[38] The amount of assistance depends on the applicant’s income.
North Dakota doesn’t offer a state supplement to the SSI benefit, regardless of where the person lives.[08]
Ohio’s Residential State Supplement can help eligible seniors pay for rent in certain assisted living communities with up to 16 residents, which the state refers to as class two residential facilities. Assisted living communities with more than 16 residents aren’t eligible to accept the supplement unless approved on an individual basis.[39] A senior’s income plus the benefit should equal about $1,800 per month. This allows the senior to cover the $1,600 rental fee charged by the community and retain an additional $200 for personal expenses.
Oklahoma provides cash assistance to eligible seniors through the State Supplemental Payment plan. The amount depends on the applicant’s other sources of income.[40]
Oregon does not appear to provide a state supplement to SSI benefits for seniors residing in an assisted living community. The state does offer cash assistance to seniors through the Oregon Supplemental Income Program. This assistance is intended to help seniors pay for special needs like transportation or one-time payments to help them remain independent.[41]
Pennsylvania offers a state supplement to SSI benefits, which can be used to help pay for assisted living. Seniors can reside in domiciliary care — smaller homes owned by the provider — or larger personal care homes.[42] As of 2026, the supplemental payment for residents in domiciliary care was $634.30, while the payment for someone at a personal care home was $639.30. Social Security administers the program for Pennsylvania, so residents receive a single payment with the combined federal and state benefit.
In Rhode Island, eligible seniors receiving SSI benefits can get a $332 state supplement to help them pay for assisted living. Social Security administers the program for Rhode Island, meaning residents get a single payment with the combined federal and state aid.[43]
The Optional State Supplementation Program in South Carolina can help eligible seniors pay for their stays in assisted living communities, which the state refers to as community residential care facilities. The payment amount depends on the applicant’s income.[44]
South Dakota doesn’t provide a state supplement for seniors in assisted living.[45]
Tennessee doesn’t offer a state supplement to SSI benefits, regardless of where a senior resides.[08]
Texas provides a small supplement to SSI recipients who reside in assisted living and other long-term care facilities.[46]
Utah doesn’t offer a state supplement to the SSI benefit for seniors who are residing in an assisted living community.[47]
In Vermont, seniors can get a state supplement to their SSI benefit to help pay for assisted living. The state provides a supplement of up to $239.62, depending on the type of community or home.[48] Because the Social Security Administration oversees the program for Vermont, residents will receive a single payment with the combined federal and state aid.
Virginia seniors who receive SSI benefits can get a state supplement to help them pay for assisted living through the Auxiliary Grant Program.[49] The payment amount depends on the type of assisted living community and whether the resident lives in Northern Virginia (where the rate is higher) or elsewhere in the state.
The state of Washington doesn’t provide a supplement to help SSI recipients pay for assisted living.[50]
The Optional State Supplement Payment Program in Washington, D.C., provides an extra payment to SSI recipients who reside in assisted living, which is referred to as adult foster care. In 2026, the maximum benefit for adult foster care with 50 or fewer beds is $681. It’s $791 for adult foster care with more than 50 beds.[51]
West Virginia doesn’t provide a state supplement to SSI recipients, regardless of where they live.[08]
A program called the Exceptional Expense Supplement for Members of Supplemental Security Income in Wisconsin (SSI-E) can help seniors receiving SSI benefits get help paying for assisted living. It pays a monthly cash benefit up to $95.99.[52]
Wyoming doesn’t offer a state supplement to SSI recipients who reside in an assisted living community.[52]
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In most cases, Social Security benefits help offset costs but don’t cover the full price of assisted living. With the median monthly cost reaching $5,190 in 2025,[03] many families need to combine Social Security with other financial resources to manage the remaining balance.
Common sources families rely on to afford assisted living include:
The right combination depends on your loved one’s financial situation, eligibility for benefits, and timing.
Start with a monthly budget. Add Social Security retirement, SSDI, SSI, pensions, savings withdrawals, veterans benefits, long-term care insurance, and family contributions. Then compare that income with the 2026 median assisted living cost in your state and the monthly rates at the communities your family is considering.
Next, check whether your loved one may qualify for SSI, a state SSI supplement, state Medicaid waiver programs, or other public benefits. Before move-in, ask each community how it handles monthly billing, representative payees, late payments, and what happens if a resident’s funds run low.
A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Advisors can help you make sense of what your loved one’s Social Security benefits mean for assisted living costs. Advisors offer personalized, location-specific guidance based on your budget, your loved one’s needs, and what’s available in your area.
They can help you identify assisted living communities that fit within your financial situation, including options that may work with limited income or specific benefit types. Advisors can also walk you through how programs like SSI or state supplements may factor into an overall plan, so you have a clearer picture of what to expect.
If you’re unsure what your next step should be, speaking with an advisor can help you move forward with more confidence and a better understanding of your options.
No. Federal Social Security benefits are paid to the beneficiary or an SSA-approved representative payee. SSA appoints a payee only when a beneficiary cannot manage or direct their own benefits.
Usually, no. Federal payments go to the beneficiary or representative payee. Families can set up bill pay or automatic payments from the beneficiary’s account, and some state supplement programs may pay a provider directly.
Retirement and SSDI benefits do not change because care needs increase. SSI payments may change if your loved one’s income, assets, living arrangement, or Medicaid eligibility changes.
Yes. SSI payments may change after your loved one moves into assisted living or if their income, assets, or living expenses change. Report these changes to Social Security as soon as possible.
Yes, in some cases. SSI may help with room, board, and personal expenses. Medicaid may cover eligible care services through state programs, but coverage and community participation vary by state.
Compare your loved one’s monthly income with local assisted living costs. If there’s a gap, explore SSI supplements, Medicaid waiver programs, veterans benefits, long-term care insurance, and each community’s payment options.
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Delaware Health and Social Services Division of Medicaid & Medical Assistance Policy & Planning Unit. (2025, October 29). Administrative notice A-12-2025: 2026 Adult Foster & Residential Care Payment Levels.
Florida Department of State: Florida Administrative Code and Florida Administrative Register. (2025, June 24). Optional State Supplementation base provider rates and program standards.
Georgia Medicaid. (2018, October 18). Approved state plan amendments. 19-010 Nursing Home Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) Rate Increase.
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Wisconsin Department of Health Services. (2026, March 31). Exceptional Expense Supplement for Members of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Wisconsin.
Social Security Administration. (2011, January). State assistance programs for SSI recipients, January 2011: Wyoming.
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