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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In all cases, residents of assisted living communities may use up to 100% of their Social Security benefits to pay for assisted living. That said, the median cost of assisted living in 2025 is $5,190 per month.[01] Even if a loved one qualifies for more than one benefit type, it’s unlikely that Social Security benefits will be enough to pay the full cost of assisted living. To cover the remaining costs of assisted living, residents rely on other funds, such as savings or other retirement income.
The four types of Social Security benefits are:
Social Security retirementWorkers age 62+, and their spouses, who paid into Social Security$1,979YesBased on past earnings
| Benefit | Who qualifies? | Average monthly payment (2025)[02] | Can it be used for assisted living? | Other notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) | People unable to work due to disability | $1,581 | Yes | Based on past earnings; converts to retirement benefits at full retirement age |
| Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | Low-income seniors (age 65+) and disabled individuals | $590 | Yes | Often paired with Medicaid, which may cover care services |
| Optional state supplements (OSS) | SSI recipients in some states | Varies by state | Yes | Some states pay facilities directly; others pay individuals |
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. 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 2025 is about $1,979, or less than half the median cost of assisted living in 2025.[02] Social Security retirement benefits can be used to pay for assisted living, home care, or anything else the recipient needs.
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. 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.[03]
The monthly SSDI payment amount depends on how much a person earned when they were working. In 2025, the average monthly benefit is about $1,581.[02] Some people qualify for SSDI benefits as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. As with Social Security retirement benefits, SSDI payments can be used for anything the recipient needs.
SSI benefits are for people with low incomes who are disabled or who are 65 years of age or older. 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 2025, the average monthly SSI payment is $590 for someone age 65 or older.[02]
Often, people who qualify for SSI also qualify for Medicaid, which can help pay for care services related to assisted living.
Optional state supplementation (OSS) benefits are paid by some states to residents who also receive federal SSI benefits. Benefit amounts vary and depend on the local cost of living and other factors.[04]
As with the federal Social Security programs, there’s an application process for OSS to determine eligibility and the monthly payment amount.
Typically, all federal Social Security benefits are deposited directly into a person’s bank account.[05] In some states that provide OSS benefits, payments are provided to assisted living facilities on the resident’s behalf. In other states, payments are made directly to residents.
A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Advisors can help seniors and their families find assisted living options in their area. They can also advise families on how to pay for assisted living in their state.
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Alabama doesn’t provide a state supplement to SSI recipients who reside in an assisted living community.[06]
In Alaska, the Adult Public Assistance program offers a $30 monthly state supplementary payment to an individual living in an assisted living community.[07]
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 2024, 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.[09]
The Aid to the Needy Disabled-Colorado Supplement program provides a supplement 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.[10]
Additionally, the Old Age Pension program in Colorado provides up to $1,005 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.[10]
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.[11]
Delaware provides a state supplement 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.[12]
Florida provides an optional state supplement paid directly to assisted living communities to help eligible seniors cover the cost of room and board. The state also provides a $54 personal needs allowance that’s kept by the resident.[13]
Georgia doesn’t offer an optional state supplement to help seniors pay for assisted living, although it does offer an optional supplement to seniors in a nursing home.[06]
Hawaii provides an optional state supplement to residents of assisted living communities, which the state also refers to as adult residential care homes.[14] For communities with five or fewer residents, the combined monthly federal SSI and state supplement for 2025 is $1,751. Residents in communities with more than five residents receive $1,859 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.[15]
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.[16]
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.[17]
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 2025, residential care residents can receive $126 for a personal needs allowance and up to a $37.60 per diem for cost-related expenses.[18]
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.[19]
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 2025, the state supplement for a personal care home resident equals $1,583 per month, minus their countable income. As an example, $1,583 minus the SSI benefit of $914 equals a payment of $669.[20]
Louisiana provides an $8 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.[21]
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.[22] Contact a local Area Agency on Aging for more details.
Maryland’s Senior Assisted Living Subsidy can help eligible seniors pay for services in an assisted living community.[23] 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 $340.50 in 2025.[24]
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.[25] In 2025, the supplement ranges from $87 to $179, 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.[26] 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.[27] 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.[28] Because Social Security administers the payments, residents will receive a single payment with the combined federal and state assistance.
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Nebraska’s Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled program provides cash assistance that can help seniors pay for assisted living.[29] 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.[30] In 2025, the state supplement for someone in this type of assisted living arrangement is $354 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.[31]
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.[32] 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 $188. Because the Social Security Administration oversees the program for New Jersey, residents receive a single payment that combines the federal and state aid.[33]
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.[34] According to the most recently available data, the maximum supplement was $100.[35]
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.[36]
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.[37] 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.[38] 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.[39]
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.[40]
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.[41] As of 2022, the supplemental payment for residents in domiciliary care was $434, while the payment for someone at a personal care home was $439. Social Security administers the program for Pennsylvania, so residents will 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.[42]
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.[43]
South Dakota does provide a state supplement, but seniors in assisted living are not eligible.[44]
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.[45]
Utah doesn’t offer a state supplement to the SSI benefit for seniors who are residing in an assisted living community.[46]
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 $224, depending on the type of community or home.[47] 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.[48] 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.[49]
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 2025, the maximum benefit for adult foster care with 50 or fewer beds is $678. It’s $788 for adult foster care with more than 50 beds.[50]
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.[51]
Wyoming doesn’t offer a state supplement to SSI recipients who reside in an assisted living community.[52]
No, federal Social Security benefits are paid directly to the recipient. In some cases, people who receive Social Security decide to assign a representative payee who has the legal right to manage their benefits. Designating someone to be your payee is a process that’s managed by the Social Security Administration.
Social Security payments are made directly to recipients. Assisted living communities don’t have a way to take that money directly from the U.S. federal government. In states that provide optional supplemental benefits to SSI recipients, payments go directly to the recipient or to the senior living community, depending on the state.
No, Social Security benefits don’t change because a person’s care needs change. All types of Social Security benefits are based on financial criteria, such as how much you contributed to Social Security when they were working and how much income and assets you have in retirement.
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