Author: Lauren Silverstone
Director of Housing Support Services at Maryland Inclusive Housing
Housing in the United States remains largely out of reach for adults living on Supplemental Security Income (SSI). As of early 2026, approximately 7.4 to 7.5 million Americans rely on SSI, a federal benefit that supports individuals who are older, have a vision impairment, or have a qualifying disability and very limited income. In 2026, the maximum federal SSI payment is $994 per month for an individual and $1,491 per month for an eligible couple. About one-third of SSI recipients also receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) (learn more about the difference between SSI and SSDI benefits); however, even when these benefits are combined, income levels remain far below what is needed to afford stable, market-rate housing in most communities. These financial limitations continue to make housing for adults with disabilities especially difficult to obtain and sustain in many communities. Additional income from work or nonwork income like alimony, veterans benefits, and pensions are also counted against monthly SSI payments.
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