How much is Social Security retirement?

Social Security retirement benefits (OASDI) in 2026 average $1,907/month for retired workers. The maximum benefit for someone retiring at full retirement age (67) who earned the maximum taxable earnings each year is $3,822/month. To qualify, you need 40 work credits (approximately 10 years of work). Benefits can be claimed as early as 62 with a permanent reduction of up to 30%, or delayed up to age 70 for an 8%/year bonus. Apply online at ssa.gov at least 3 months before you want benefits to start.

Who qualifies for SSI?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal needs-based program for people aged 65+ or blind/disabled who have limited income and resources. In 2026, the federal SSI payment is $967/month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple. To qualify, your countable resources must be below $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple). Some states supplement SSI with additional payments. You do not need a work history to receive SSI — it is funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes. Apply at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.

How to apply for SNAP food stamps?

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. In 2026, the average monthly benefit is $189/person, with a maximum of $291 for a 1-person household. To qualify, your household gross monthly income must generally be at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level ($1,580/month for a single person). Apply at your state's SNAP office or online — most states have online applications. Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card. USDA Food and Nutrition Service (fns.usda.gov) oversees the program.

Aides sociales dans le monde

Social Benefits USA 2026

The United States federal government administers Social Security (SSA), SSI, SNAP, Medicaid, and EITC through agencies including SSA, USDA, and HHS. States administer additional programs with varying eligibility. Currency: USD ($).

$1,907/mo Social Security avg

$967/mo SSI

$7,830/yr EITC max

Federal + State administration

Check my US benefit eligibility →

Welfare model: Liberal (means-tested + Social Security contributions). Most programs are administered by federal agencies but delivered through states. Social Security (OASDI/SSDI) requires work history. SSI, SNAP, Medicaid are needs-based. Amounts are 2026 federal rates — some states provide additional supplements.

US Social Benefits — 2026 rates

Benefit	Category	Amount (USD)	Frequency	Agency	Main conditions	Official source
Social Security Retirement (OASDI)	Retraite	avg $1,907 / max $3,822	Monthly	SSA	40 work credits (~10 yrs) Full retirement age 67 US resident/citizen	ssa.gov
SSI Supplemental Security Income	Handicap / Retraite	$967 (single)	Monthly	SSA	65+ or blind/disabled Resources <$2,000 No work history required	ssa.gov
SNAP Food Stamps	Alimentation	avg $189, max $291 (1 person)	Monthly	USDA / State	Income <130% FPL US resident EBT card issued	fns.usda.gov
Medicaid	Santé	Comprehensive coverage (varies)	Ongoing	CMS / State	Low income / disability Pregnancy or children Varies by state	medicaid.gov
EITC Earned Income Tax Credit	Revenus / Emploi	max $7,830/yr (3+ children)	Annual	IRS	Earned income required Income below threshold File tax return	irs.gov
TANF Temporary Assistance	Revenus / Emploi	avg $497/month	Monthly	HHS / State	Family with children Very low income 60-month lifetime limit	acf.hhs.gov
SSDI Social Security Disability	Handicap	avg $1,537/month	Monthly	SSA	Severe disability Work history / SS contributions Cannot perform substantial work	ssa.gov
CHIP Children's Health Insurance	Santé / Famille	low-cost (premium $0–50)	Monthly	CMS / State	Children under 19 Income above Medicaid <200% Federal Poverty Level	insurekidsnow.gov
HUD Section 8 Housing Voucher	Logement	covers ~70% of rent	Monthly	HUD / Local PHA	Income <50% Area Median Income Waitlist (often years) US resident	hud.gov
CalFresh (California SNAP)	Alimentation	max $291 (1 person)	Monthly	CDSS / California	California resident Low income (same as SNAP) Apply at benefitscal.com	cdss.ca.gov

Frequently asked questions about US social benefits

How much is Social Security retirement?

Social Security retirement benefits (OASDI) in 2026 average $1,907/month for retired workers. The maximum benefit for someone retiring at full retirement age (67) who earned the maximum taxable earnings each year is $3,822/month. To qualify, you need 40 work credits (approximately 10 years of work).

Benefits can be claimed as early as 62 with a permanent reduction of up to 30%, or delayed up to age 70 for an 8%/year bonus. Apply online at ssa.gov at least 3 months before you want benefits to start.
Who qualifies for SSI?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal needs-based program for people aged 65+ or blind/disabled who have limited income and resources. In 2026, the federal SSI payment is $967/month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple. To qualify, your countable resources must be below $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple).

Some states supplement SSI with additional payments. You do not need a work history to receive SSI — it is funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes. Apply at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
How to apply for SNAP food stamps?

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. In 2026, the average monthly benefit is $189/person, with a maximum of $291 for a 1-person household (and $536 for a 2-person household). To qualify, your household gross monthly income must generally be at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level ($1,580/month for a single person).

Apply at your state's SNAP office or online — most states have online applications at benefits.gov. Benefits are loaded onto an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card usable at grocery stores. USDA Food and Nutrition Service (fns.usda.gov) oversees the program nationally.