The New York State Supplement Program (SSP) provides an additional cash benefit beyond what the federal government gives you through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides cash benefits every month if you meet the program guidelines. The amount of the supplemental income you get will also depend on any other sources of income you may receive and your living arrangements. You don’t need to apply for the SSP separately. You will automatically apply when you apply for SSI. You would receive the additional benefit as part of the same payment as the regular SSI monthly payment.

Please note: If you enroll in both Medicare and SSI, you will be signed up for the Extra Help program through Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage. This program helps people with limited income and resources pay for their medicines.

How do I apply?

To find out how to apply for this program, please contact the Social Security Administration.

Please note: The Social Security Administration (SSA) counts the date of a request for benefits as the filing date of the application. This is important because the date of the application will determine when your benefits start. Unless you can submit a full application today, you should call SSA immediately and say that you want to apply for Supplemental Security Income benefits. After the call, you can send them a Protected Filing Date Letter. You must submit a completed application to SSA within 60 days of the date of your request in order to get program benefits.