If you’re considering assisted living for yourself or a loved one, it’s essential to understand the costs involved and how to pay for them. The good news is that there are many payment options available, including Social Security benefits, to help seniors and their families cover assisted living expenses.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how to afford assisted living with Social Security. We’ll also share other options you can explore to help you meet assisted living costs.
Does Social Security Pay for Assisted Living?
If you’re looking into assisted living, you may ask, “will Social Security pay for assisted living?” The short answer is yes; Social Security benefits can be used to pay for assisted living. However, your loved one’s monthly benefits may not be enough to fully cover the cost of assisted living.
How Much Do You Receive From Social Security?
As of January 2025, the estimated average monthly payout from Social Security is approximately $1,900. This amount can be higher or lower, depending on your work history and when you start receiving benefits. While Social Security can help cover a portion of your loved one’s assisted living costs, it likely won’t be sufficient to cover the full amount. If you’re wondering how to afford assisted living while on Social Security, it can be helpful to explore additional resources and other financial assistance options for which you qualify.
How Much Does Assisted Living Cost Per Month?
One of the first questions seniors and their families often ask is, how much does assisted living cost per month? You can expect to pay around $3,000 to $6,000 per month, though the total amount can change depending on several key factors, like the community’s location, the level of assistance required, and accommodation options.
Ways to Afford Assisted Living on Social Security
While Social Security benefits alone will not be enough to fully pay for assisted living costs, there are several payment options you can explore to help you afford assisted living for yourself or a loved one, including:
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program designed to help seniors with low income and individuals with disabilities. If you or your loved one qualifies, SSI can help cover part of assisted living costs. To be eligible, individuals must meet specific age and income requirements set by the state.
While the exact amount you receive will also vary depending on where you live, it’s typically lower than the average Social Security benefits. For 2025, individuals can receive up to $967 in SSI per month, while couples can get up to $1,450. If you intend to use SSI benefits to help pay for your loved one’s assisted living costs, be sure to check in advance if the community you’re considering participates in this program.
Optional State Supplements (OSS)
Optional State Supplements (OSS) are additional payments provided by some states to supplement the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. If your loved one qualifies, OSS supplementation may be used to cover part of the cost of room and board in assisted living communities. Eligibility requirements typically include meeting state-specific income and asset guidelines and being a resident of that state. You can check with your state’s Department of Social Services or Medicaid office to find out if OSS is available and how to qualify.
Here’s a table showing Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Optional State Supplements (OSS) arrangements across different states:
| State | Average Monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in dollars | Optional State Supplement (OSS) Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $677.05 | Administered by the State |
| Alaska | $654.28 | Administered by the State |
| Arizona | $694.92 | No State Supplement |
| Arkansas | $698.39 | No State Supplement |
| California | $830.02 | Administered by Social Security |
| Colorado | $674.65 | Administered by the State |
| Connecticut | $697.77 | Administered by the State |
| Delaware | $717.18 | Administered by Social Security |
| District of Columbia | $744.67 | Administered by Social Security |
| Florida | $682.46 | Administered by the State |
| Georgia | $683.81 | Administered by the State |
| Hawaii | $696.06 | Administered by Social Security |
| Idaho | $688.69 | Administered by the State |
| Illinois | $708.67 | Administered by the State |
| Indiana | $704.91 | Administered by the State |
| Iowa | $686.2 | Administered by Social Security |
| Kansas | $690.18 | Administered by the State |
| Kentucky | $695.59 | Administered by the State |
| Louisiana | $701.53 | Administered by the State |
| Maine | $675.76 | Administered by the State |
| Maryland | $718.98 | Administered by the State |
| Massachusetts | $696.07 | Administered by the State |
| Michigan | $717.58 | Administered by Social Security |
| Minnesota | $723.74 | Administered by the State |
| Mississippi | $670.86 | No State Supplement |
| Missouri | $683.22 | Administered by the State |
| Montana | $650.76 | Administered by Social Security |
| Nebraska | $673.08 | Administered by the State |
| Nevada | $702.18 | Administered by Social Security |
| New Hampshire | $661.26 | Administered by the State |
| New Jersey | $681.96 | Administered by Social Security |
| New Mexico | $670.18 | Administered by the State |
| New York | $695.98 | Administered by the State |
| North Carolina | $678.52 | Administered by the State |
| North Dakota | $649.31 | No State Supplement |
| Ohio | $715.73 | Administered by the State |
| Oklahoma | $696.02 | Administered by the State |
| Oregon | $700.97 | Administered by the State |
| Pennsylvania | $727.51 | Administered by Social Security |
| Rhode Island | $699.13 | Administered by Social Security |
| South Carolina | $670.59 | Administered by the State |
| South Dakota | $665.87 | Administered by the State |
| Tennessee | $689.21 | No State Supplement |
| Texas | $667.86 | Administered by the State |
| Utah | $691.56 | Administered by the State |
| Vermont | $701.6 | Administered by Social Security |
| Virginia | $693.99 | Administered by the State |
| Washington | $718.94 | Administered by the State |
| West Virginia | $701.34 | Administered by the State |
| Wisconsin | $702.89 | Administered by the State |
| Wyoming | $664.1 | Administered by the State |
Veterans Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides Aid and Attendance benefits for eligible veterans and their spouses. If your loved one qualifies, these benefits may help cover a portion of their assisted living costs. To be eligible, individuals must meet specific criteria, like having served during wartime, needing assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), and meeting certain income and asset limits.
Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI)
Some long-term care insurance policies can help cover a significant portion of assisted living costs. If your loved one has long-term insurance, it’s important to carefully review it to understand what’s covered and whether there are any specific requirements to qualify for benefits.
State-Specific Programs
Some states have their own programs that offer additional financial assistance to seniors with low income. The funds can often be used to pay for assisted living costs. However, state-funded programs often have specific eligibility requirements based on age, income, and residency, so it’s important to check if you or your family member qualify. You can visit your state’s Department of Aging or Medicaid office to learn more about local programs that can help.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a state and federal program that supports individuals with limited income and resources. In some cases, it may be used together with other resources to pay for assisted living. However, Medicaid typically only covers medical-related services, like hospital stays or skilled nursing care services. If you’re considering using Medicaid to pay for your loved one’s assisted living costs, you may have to pay for rent out of pocket.
Furthermore, each state has different rules on how to qualify, so it’s essential to research your state’s specific requirements. Some states also have programs like Medicaid Waivers that may cover a broader range of services, including assisted living costs.
Personal Savings and Assets
Many families use personal savings or assets to cover assisted living costs. If your loved one has a retirement savings account, annuities, or other assets, these resources can be used to pay for assisted living. However, this option should be exercised cautiously, and it’s always a good idea to speak with a financial planner to help you manage resources effectively.
Finding Affordable Assisted Living Options
If you’re wondering how to afford assisted living on Social Security, it’s important to choose a community that fits your budget. You can start by researching communities in your area and comparing prices. When touring potential communities, ask if they offer sliding scale fees or income-based discounts.
Furthermore, some communities may offer different accommodation types and floor plans, which can affect the price. For instance, in some cases, choosing a shared apartment over a private option may help keep costs lower.
Find a Community That Fits Your Budget
At StoryPoint Group communities, we understand that cost can be a key deciding factor when considering a community for yourself or someone you love.
Our Cost Calculator is here to help you estimate how much different support services in your area might cost — to help you find a supportive home that fits your budget. Please note that the final cost will depend on the individual community and the level of assistance your family member requires.
See The Costs Of
Senior Living Compared To Staying In Place
We created this senior living calculator to help you determine the costs of senior living compared to remaining in place.
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To accurately estimate the cost of senior living, simply enter your monthly expenses in the field below.
To see an estimate of the cost of senior living, simply select the state and level of care you think is right for you or your loved one.
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(The National Average Cost Is $3,360-5,760 Monthly*)
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We took the information you provided to calculate your current living expenses vs. the average costs of senior living. Here are your results.
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*This information is intended to aid in the evaluation and the decision-making process related to senior living alternatives. It is based on information and assumptions provided by you and information compiled from multiple accredited sources for comparison purposes. The calculations and comparisons provided should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice. In addition, such information should not be relied upon as the only source of information.
Planning and Making an Informed Decision
Choosing the right assisted living community for yourself or a loved one can be a big decision. To help you navigate this process, here are some strategies you can use to narrow down your options and find the right community for your needs.
Tour Different Assisted Living Communities
An in-person tour is one of the best ways to get a feel for a community. It allows you and your family members to see the environment, meet employees and other residents, and ask questions about services and pricing. When touring a community, be sure to compare costs, as prices can vary significantly between communities.
Additionally, carefully read the contract and any paperwork to understand the services included and any additional fees. It’s also essential to check whether the community is licensed and regulated by the state to help ensure it meets the required safety and care standards.
Consult With Financial and Legal Professionals
If you’re unsure how to afford assisted living on Social Security, it may be helpful to consult with professionals. Financial planners or elder law attorneys can provide helpful guidance on assisted living for seniors on Social Security.
Leverage Community Resources
Finding the right community can be easier when you have the support of experts who understand the challenges families face when finding care for their loved ones.
At StoryPoint Group communities, we know how difficult this decision can be, and we’re here to help guide you every step of the way. Connect with us today, and our experts will be happy to help you find the best support service for you or your family member
FAQs About the Cost of Assisted Living
When navigating the costs of care for their loved ones, families often have questions about how to pay for assisted living expenses. To help you on your journey, we’ve answered some common questions that people often ask about how to afford assisted living on Social Security:
Life with StoryPoint Group Communities
At StoryPoint Group communities, our residents are at the heart of everything we do. We understand that every person’s journey is unique; that’s why we take the time to understand each resident’s needs — so we can create meaningful experiences tailored just for them.
If you need additional guidance on assisted living or any other type of senior living, we’re here to help. Call us today at 1-844-275-9990 or schedule a tour of a StoryPoint Group community near your location.
