Supplemental Security income (SSI), a federal program, provides monthly income for people who have limited incomes or resources. They must also be blind or disabled or 65 years old. In 2023, the maximum monthly SSI benefits are $914 for each person and $1372 per couple.
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Social Security Administration (SSA), sets maximum SSI benefits each year. Social Security’s formula for cost of living adjustment determines the amount.
2023 SSI benefit amounts
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Overview of SSI
Congress established SSI 1974. Social Security Administration is responsible for administering SSI. SSI benefits were paid to approximately 7.5 millions people in May 2023.
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Fourty-four state programs provide additional amounts to SSI beneficiaries, known as supplements (Arizona does not; neither do Arkansas, Mississippi North Dakota Tennessee or West Virginia).
. These additional payments are administered by the SSA in some states. The qualifications and specifics of these programs differ by state.
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What is SSI?
You must also meet the residency requirements. You also must be blind, 65 years old or older to qualify for SSI.
. There are specific rules for each of these hurdles.
Limited Income
Your monthly income must not exceed $914 to qualify for SSI (the maximum monthly SSI benefits this year). Social Security Administration can reduce your SSI if you receive income from another source.
What you need to know about the Social Security Administration’s view of income.
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Income – from employment or selfemployment — can be considered as income.
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Earned income does not always trigger a reduction in benefits.
The first $65 in earned income does not count towards the $914 SSI limit. Only half the income over the $65 limit counts.
. If you make $500 a monthly, for example, Social Security Administration may reduce your SSI benefits by $217.50.
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Income that is not earned, like Social Security pension payments, dividends and income from investments are also included. Unearned income reduces the SSI benefits dollar for dollar. As an example, if you receive $500 per month in pension income, your SSI benefits could be reduced by $500.
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Income that is not earned also qualifies for exemptions. Benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, such as tax refunds and home energy financial aid.
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Even if they were given to you by family members or friends, things or services that you receive for free, at a reduced price, or even below market rent are counted as income. In-kind support can lower SSI payments by up to $324.66 a month. The amount of in-kind assistance does not always equal the dollar value of SSI; it depends on a number of factors including what you get and the estimated cost.
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It can be reduced if a parent, spouse or another essential person who lives with you receives income, but does not receive SSI. It’s not dollar-for dollar. The amount of the reduction is determined by a complicated formula.
Limited Resources
If you want to qualify for SSI benefits, your cash and other assets cannot exceed $2,000 (or $3000 for couples).
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There are also exemptions. Examples include owning a home (if you live in it), a vehicle, and having household items.
Residence
To qualify for SSI, you must:
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You must be a U.S. national or citizen. Some exceptions apply, such as for certain refugees.
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You must live in one of the U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Northern Mariana Islands, or Washington, D.C.
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Do not leave the U.S. more than 30 days or a period of a month.
Blindness
If you are able to meet financial criteria, and reside in the United States and have or a limited field of view (in terms of technical terminology the Social Security Administration defines it as the largest diameter of the visual field extending an angle less than 20 degrees).
Disabled
If you are disabled and meet all the financial requirements, you may be eligible for SSI. Social Security Administration defines disability as an impairment in mental or physical functioning that will likely last at least a year, or could lead to death.
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If your age is under 18, you must have a disability that severely limits your ability to function.
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The disability has to prevent you from gaining “substantial gainful activities” – which can include, but is not limited to, employment and running your own business. The Social Security Administration will not consider that you have a disability if you earn over $1,470 a month.
Disability Determination Services, a state agency called the Disability Determination Services do. DDS local reviews and determines medical eligibility. DDS might contact you to find out more information about your medical condition. It may pay for medical tests to see if you qualify.