Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling in California. Trained counselors go through your costs and choices with you, and they don't sell plans.
Income and Social Security
California adds its own monthly payment, called SSP (State Supplementary Payment), to federal SSI. Social Security pays it in the same check as your SSI, so you don't apply separately.
In 2026 the state part is $239.94 a month for one older person living on their own, and more if you have no kitchen or live in a licensed care home.
| Monthly supplement, one person living on their own (January 2026) | $239.94 a month |
|---|---|
| Monthly supplement, couple living on their own (January 2026) | $607.83 a month |
| Monthly supplement, one person living on their own without a kitchen (January 2026) | $368.81 a month |
| Monthly supplement, couple living on their own without a kitchen (January 2026) | $865.57 a month |
| Monthly supplement, one person in non-medical out-of-home care, such as a licensed board and care home (January 2026) | $632.07 a month |
| Monthly supplement, couple in non-medical out-of-home care (January 2026) | $1,761.14 a month |
Where California's rules differ from the federal rules for State SSI supplements.
Free help
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling in California. Trained counselors go through your costs and choices with you, and they don't sell plans.
Your local Area Agency on Aging can help with meals, rides, help at home, caregiver support and applying for benefits.
Newsletter
Benefit figures, deadlines and rules change every year. We'll tell you what changed and what to check, about twice a month.