What are SSI Benefits?
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays monthly benefits to people with low income who are age 65 or older, who have a disability, or are blind. The amount of your SSI benefits depends on your other income and living arrangements. If the monthly household income varies from month to month, so may your SSI benefit.
The SSI benefit amount that you receive is based on a few different factors, including the state in which you live as well as your monthly household income. Currently the monthly maximum Federal amounts for 2011 are $674 for eligible individuals and $1,011 for eligible individuals with an eligible spouse. The following states will further supplement the $674:
- California
- District of Columbia
- Hawaii
- Massachusetts
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
Maximum Federal Supplemental Security Income payment amounts increase each January with the cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) that apply to Social Security benefits. As of 2011, the last year in which a COLA was applied was 2008.
SSI Disability Benefits
In addition to paying monthly benefits to people over the age of 65 with low income, the SSI program also pays SSI disability benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. For most people, the medical requirements for disability payments are the same under both the Social Security Disability program and the SSI program, and disability is determined by the same process.
SSI Benefits for Children
The SSI program is not just for adults; it also makes monthly payments to children younger than age 18 with disabilities. To receive SSI for children, the child must meet the SSA’s definition of disability for children and their income and resources must fall within eligibility requirements. When determining income eligibility for Social Security Disability for children, the SSA not only considers the child’s income and resources but the income and resources of family members living in their household as well.
Contact Us about SSI Benefits
The best way to learn about SSI benefits is to talk with us at Binder & Binder®. Call us at 1-800-66-BINDER or complete our online contact form. We'll be glad to talk with you about all of your SSI concerns, and give you clear answers to your questions.
