Massachusetts State Supplement Program (SSP)

The Massachusetts State Supplement Program (SSP) provides extra money for some people on top of their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment. The state pays this benefit to give more help to people with very low income. How much extra you get depends on your income and where you live. ## What is SSI? SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a monthly payment from the government. It helps people who have low income and few resources, including: - Older adults (age 65+) - People who are blind - People with disabilities [Learn more about SSI](https://benefitscheckup.org/article/what-is-supplemental-security-income) and if you may qualify. ## How does the Massachusetts State Supplement Program (SSP) work? The Massachusetts SSP gives extra money to some people on top of their monthly SSI payment. It’s for people who have very high basic living costs, like rent, utilities, and other expenses. If you qualify for SSP, you will get this extra money in the same payment as your SSI each month. ## Who can get the Massachusetts SSI state supplement? To qualify for the Massachusetts State Supplement Program (SSP), you must already get SSI and need extra help with basic living costs like food, housing, and clothing. Some people may get more money based on: - Where they live (like a residential care home or their own home) - Their living situation or needs ## How do I apply for the Massachusetts State Supplement Program (SSP)? To get SSP, you first need to apply for federal SSI benefits. Your SSI application also counts as your SSP application. Social Security will share your information with the state of Massachusetts, which decides if you qualify for the extra cash benefit. Follow these steps to apply for SSI: - **[Start your SSI application](https://www.ssa.gov/apply/ssi)** on the Social Security website by answering a few questions. That should take about 5-10 minutes. You will receive a letter 7-14 days later giving you the date and time of an appointment at your local Social Security office. - **Visit your local Social Security office** on the date and time shown in the letter. A representative will help you apply for benefits. Call the SSA at [1-800-772-1213](tel:1-800-772-1213) (TTY [1-800-325-0778](tel:1-800-325-0778)) if you don’t want to start the SSI application process online. You can make an appointment at the Social Security office near you. **Please note: **The SSA uses the date you first applied for benefits as your application date. This date is important because it affects when your SSI payments can start. ## How do I get help with my SSI application? To get help applying for SSI in Massachusetts: - Contact Social Security at [1-800-772-1213](tel:1-800-772-1213) or [reach out to your local office](https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp). - Call MassOptions at [1-800-243-4636](tel:1-800-243-4636). - Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center, if there’s one near you.[ ](https://benefitscheckup.org/article/how-to-find-a-benefits-enrollment-center-near-you)[See if there’s one in your area](https://benefitscheckup.org/article/how-to-find-a-benefits-enrollment-center-near-you). - Call NCOA’s free HelpLine at [1-800-794-6559](tel:+18007946559).