If You Live on Social Security Alone, You May Qualify for These 4 Things
Written by
Josephine Nesbit
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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The average Social Security retirement benefit alone often isn’t enough to cover the full cost of living for many older Americans.
As of February 2026, the average monthly benefit for retired workers was about $2,076, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA), or just under $25,000 per year.Â
While it’s low, it could mean those living on Social Security alone could qualify for financial assistance.
Supplemental Security Income
If you rely on Social Security, you may also qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a program that provides monthly benefits to those with disabilities and older adults who have little or no income or resources.
In 2026, the maximum monthly SSI benefit is $994 for eligible individuals and $1,491 for eligible couples, SSA reported. The agency generally expects monthly earnings to stay below about $2,073 for individuals, though the exact amount can vary.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, provides monthly benefits to low-income households to spend on nutritious food.Â
SNAP income and resource limits are updated annually, and individual states determine eligibility. To qualify, gross monthly income must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty level (FPL). According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), as many as three out of five qualifying older adults aren’t enrolled in SNAP, or about five million people.
Medicare Savings Programs
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state-run programs that help cover Medicare premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and copayments for those with limited income and resources.
According to NCOA, you must have at least Medicare Part A and meet your state’s income and asset limits to qualify. There are also four different MSPs, with varying monthly income and asset limits.Â
Certain Tax Credits and Deductions
There are also tax credits and deductions that can help reduce the amount retirees owe in taxes or lower their overall taxable income. Here are some examples:
- $6,000 senior deduction: Eligible taxpayers age 65 or older can deduct up to $6,000, or $12,000 for married couples filing jointly, from taxable income.
- Credit for the elderly or disabled: Some retirees may qualify for the credit for the elderly or the disabled if their income falls below certain thresholds. According to the IRS, the credit ranges between $3,750 and $7,500.
- Medical expense deduction: Retirees who itemize deductions may be able to deduct qualified medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income, according to the IRS. This can include certain healthcare costs, prescriptions and long-term care expenses.
- Property tax relief programs: Many states offer property tax credits, exemptions or circuit breaker programs that reduce property taxes for older homeowners with limited income. According to AARP Foundation, over nine million Americans are eligible for property tax relief, but most do not receive it.
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