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Free, unbiased Medicare counseling in Massachusetts. Trained counselors go through your costs and choices with you, and they don't sell plans.
Income and Social Security
Massachusetts adds its own monthly payment, the State Supplement Program (SSP), for people who get SSI or whose income is a little too high for SSI.
In 2026 it is $128.82 a month for one older person paying the full cost of living on their own. The state pays it separately from your SSI, usually on the first of the month.
| Apply for SSI first | You must first apply for SSI. SSP is based on SSI eligibility. |
|---|---|
| Income a little over the SSI limit | You may still get a partial SSP payment if your income is too high for SSI |
Source: Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (source 2)
| Monthly supplement, one person 65 or older paying the full cost of living on their own (2026) | $128.82 a month |
|---|---|
| Monthly supplement, aged couple paying the full cost of living on their own (2026) | $100.86 a month for each spouse |
| Monthly supplement, one person 65 or older sharing living expenses (2026) | $39.26 a month |
| Monthly supplement, one person 65 or older in a rest home (2026) | $293.00 a month |
| Monthly supplement, one person 65 or older in assisted living (2026) | $454.00 a month |
Source: Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (source 3)
| When it is paid | On the same schedule as SSI, generally the first of the month, as a separate payment by check or direct deposit |
|---|
Source: Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (source 2)
Where Massachusetts's rules differ from the federal rules for State SSI supplements.
Source: Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (source 2)
Source: Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (source 2)
Free help
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling in Massachusetts. 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.