Does Social Security Pay for Assisted Living?

Assisted living is a significant expense. Many seniors pay out of pocket, whether from savings or personal investments and assets, to cover assisted living costs. For many seniors, Social Security is a vital form of support. But does Social Security pay for assisted living? It can, but it may not cover all costs.

Learn how Social Security can pay for assisted living and what other supplemental options are available for seniors.

Does Social Security Pay for Assisted Living?

Social Security Benefits and Assisted Living Costs

You can use your Social Security benefits to pay assisted living expenses. However, there is a good chance standard benefits will not be enough to cover assisted living. The average cost of assisted living in the US is about $4,500 per month or $54,000 a year. With the average Social Security check for retirees being only about $1,767.03, that leaves a significant shortfall.

Remember that assisted living costs still depend on the location, services, and amenities offered. Also, several factors contribute to the amount of Social Security benefits a retiree will receive. These include your lifetime earnings, work history, retirement age, and birth year.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

While Social Security benefits may not cover all costs, other options can supplement the remaining expenses.

The SSI program provides a monthly financial safety net for low-income seniors and people with disabilities. To qualify for SSI, you have to be:

• Disabled, blind, or aged 65 or older
• Low income
• Low assets

The highest SSI benefit for 2024 is $943 for individuals and $1,415 for couples. Benefits vary depending on your income, your spouse’s income, your living situation, etc.

Optional State Supplements (OSS)

Another option that can help with affording assisted living is Optional State Supplements (OSS). Not all states provide them, but some offer OSS, which are state funds that can help with assisted living expenses. Check if your state offers OSS here.

To claim OSS benefits, you must meet the eligibility requirements, which vary from state to state. In some states, if you’re eligible for SSI, you’re also eligible for OSS. In other states, you may be ineligible for SSI because of a high monthly income but are eligible for OSS if your income is below the OSS threshold. Additionally, some states offer OSS to individuals in certain residential settings. For example, Georgia only offers OSS to residents in nursing homes or Medicaid-approved facilities.

Unlike Social Security and SSI benefits, which go directly to the recipient, OSS benefits are paid directly to the assisted living provider.

Safety and Overall Well-Being at Dream Catcher

If you need a senior care center in Georgia, check out Dream Catcher. We offer seniors the services and amenities they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives. Get in touch with our team, and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.

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