Maryland residents applying for Supplemental Security Income in 2026 must have countable income below $994 a month for an individual or $1,491 a month for a couple, the same federal limits that apply nationwide, plus resources under $2,000 for one person or $3,000 for a couple. Maryland does not add a general cash supplement for people living independently, but it does pay a state supplement to SSI recipients living in licensed care homes and assisted living facilities. SSI recipients in Maryland are also automatically enrolled in Medical Assistance, the state's Medicaid program, with no separate application needed.
What Is SSI and Who Runs It in Maryland
SSI is a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration that pays monthly cash benefits to people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and who have limited income and resources. It is not the same as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is based on work history and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is needs-based, meaning eligibility depends on how much you earn and own, not on your work record.
In Maryland, the SSA processes SSI applications and determines eligibility. Maryland's Department of Human Services handles the state supplemental payment for people in certain residential care settings, and Maryland's Medicaid agency (the Maryland Department of Health) receives eligibility data directly from the SSA for automatic Medicaid enrollment.
2026 Federal SSI Income Limits
The Social Security Administration applies a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment for 2026, raising the federal benefit rate for the first time since the 2025 increase.
| Category | 2026 Monthly Limit |
|---|
| Individual federal benefit rate | $994 |
| Couple federal benefit rate (both eligible) | $1,491 |
| Resource limit, individual | $2,000 |
| Resource limit, couple | $3,000 |
These are federal maximums. Your actual countable income must fall below these thresholds, and your payment is reduced dollar for dollar (with some exclusions) as your countable income rises.
How SSA Counts Income
Not all income counts against the SSI limit. SSA applies these exclusions before comparing your income to the limit:
- The first $20 of most income in a month (the general income exclusion)
- The first $65 of earned income in a month, plus half of the remainder (the earned income exclusion)
- Certain in-kind support, and some infrequent or irregular income
Because of the earned income exclusion, a person with no other income can earn roughly $2,073 a month from work in 2026 before their SSI payment phases out entirely. The math works like this: subtract $85 total ($20 general exclusion plus $65 earned income exclusion), divide the rest in half, and compare what is left to the $994 federal benefit rate.
Example: if you earn $1,000 a month in wages and have no other income, SSA subtracts $85, leaving $915. Half of that is $457.50. Your SSI payment would be reduced to about $536.50 ($994 minus $457.50), rounded per SSA rules.
Student Earned Income Exclusion
Students under age 22 who regularly attend school can exclude up to $2,410 of earned income per month in 2026, up to an annual cap of $9,730. This allows working students on SSI in Maryland to earn considerably more without losing benefits.
Maryland's State Supplementary Payment (SSP)
Most states with a general cost-of-living supplement pay it to anyone eligible for SSI, regardless of where they live. Maryland's approach is narrower. Maryland's optional State Supplementary Payment is directed mainly at aged, blind, and disabled adults living in licensed residential settings, such as:
- Group care or domiciliary care homes
- Assisted living programs licensed by the state
Payment amounts vary by the level of supervision or care the facility provides, and they are adjusted periodically by the Maryland Department of Human Services. Because these figures change and are not published in one consolidated public schedule, the most reliable way to confirm your exact supplement amount is to ask your facility administrator or contact your local Maryland DHS office directly. If you live independently in Maryland (in your own home or apartment, not a licensed care facility), you generally receive only the federal SSI payment with no added state supplement.
Resource Limits: What Counts and What Doesn't
The $2,000 individual and $3,000 couple resource limits have not changed since they were set by law decades ago, and they do not adjust for inflation. Resources that count include cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and additional property beyond your primary home.
Resources that typically do NOT count toward the limit:
- Your primary home, regardless of value
- One vehicle used for transportation
- Household goods and personal effects
- Burial plots and up to $1,500 in burial funds per person
- ABLE account balances up to certain limits, for eligible individuals whose disability began before age 46
Maryland Medicaid Connection
Maryland is a "1634 state," meaning the Social Security Administration's SSI eligibility decision automatically triggers Medical Assistance (Maryland Medicaid) enrollment. You do not need to file a separate Medicaid application if you are approved for SSI in Maryland. This is a meaningful advantage over states that require a second application process.
How to Apply for SSI in Maryland
- Gather documents. You will need proof of age, Social Security number, income records, bank statements, medical records, and proof of Maryland residency.
- Start your application online, by phone, or in person. You can begin the disability portion of an application at ssa.gov, or call the national SSA line at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to schedule an appointment.
- Complete an interview. SSI applications require an interview, either by phone or at a local Social Security field office. Maryland has field offices in Baltimore, Silver Spring, Annapolis, Salisbury, Frederick, Hagerstown, and other cities across the state.
- Provide medical evidence for disability claims. If applying based on disability rather than age, SSA will request medical records and may ask you to attend a consultative exam.
- Wait for a determination. Initial SSI decisions in Maryland typically take a few months, though disability determinations can take longer, especially if a consultative exam is scheduled.
- Appeal if denied. If your claim is denied, you have 60 days to request reconsideration, and further appeal rights follow if that is also denied.
SSI Eligibility Requirements Beyond Income
Along with income and resource limits, you must also meet these requirements to qualify for SSI in Maryland:
- Be 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability (for children and adults, disability means a physical or mental condition that severely limits function)
- Be a U.S. citizen or meet specific non-citizen eligibility categories
- Live in Maryland (or another U.S. state, D.C., or the Northern Mariana Islands) and not be absent from the country for a full calendar month or more
- Not be confined to a public institution for a full month, with some exceptions for certain publicly funded facilities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SSI income limit in Maryland for 2026?
The federal SSI income limit that applies in Maryland in 2026 is $994 a month for an individual and $1,491 a month for a couple. These are federal figures set by the Social Security Administration and apply the same way in every state, including Maryland.
Does Maryland pay an extra SSI supplement to everyone?
No. Maryland's state supplement mainly goes to SSI recipients living in licensed care homes or assisted living facilities. Most SSI recipients living independently in Maryland receive only the federal benefit amount.
Do SSI recipients in Maryland automatically get Medicaid?
Yes. Maryland is a 1634 state, so approval for SSI automatically results in enrollment in Maryland Medical Assistance (Medicaid). No separate Medicaid application is required.
How much can I earn and still qualify for SSI in Maryland?
Thanks to income exclusions, a person with only earned income can typically earn up to about $2,073 a month in 2026 before their SSI payment is reduced to zero. The exact cutoff depends on whether you also receive unearned income like other benefits.
What resources count against the SSI limit in Maryland?
Cash, bank accounts, stocks, and extra property count. Your home, one vehicle, household goods, and limited burial funds generally do not count toward the $2,000 individual or $3,000 couple resource limit.
Can I work part-time and still receive SSI in Maryland?
Yes. SSA excludes the first $65 of earned income each month and counts only half of the rest, so many part-time workers can keep some SSI payment while working. Maryland residents can also use SSA's work incentive programs, including the student earned income exclusion for eligible students under 22.
Where do I apply for SSI in Maryland?
You can start an application at ssa.gov, call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment, or visit a local Social Security field office. Maryland has offices in Baltimore, Annapolis, Silver Spring, Salisbury, Frederick, Hagerstown, and several other cities.
For a broader look at benefits available to Maryland residents, including Medicaid, SNAP, and other assistance programs, visit our Maryland state benefits page.
