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What Is Supplemental Social Security Income?

SSI is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and is designed to provide a minimum income to individuals who are blind or disabled, but are unable to qualify for regular Social Security benefits. It is based on need, income, and assets and provides a monthly check. The SSI program has stringent requirements, and many are disqualified because of their available income and assets.

If you think you qualify for Supplemental Social Security income disability benefits, or SSI, you need an experienced Dallas SSI Attorney. Graves Law helps individuals who need SSI to get the payments they deserve.

How Much SSI Can I Receive?

Monthly payments are based on the Federal Benefit Rate, or FBR, that is adjusted annually when there is a cost-of-living adjustment for traditional Social Security benefits. For 2015, the FBR is $733 per month for singles and maxed out at $1,100 for married couples. Texas contributes to the SSI payments, and they may add to SSI payments. While your federal SSI will never exceed the FBR, Texas may add funds that make the payment a bit higher. The amount Texas includes varies based on your marital status and where you live. Residents of mental institutions or prisons are excluded from receiving SSI. A Dallas SSI Attorney can help you determine if you are eligible for additional state benefits.

Income Requirements

If you are able to work, you can deduct a portion of your income before it reduces your SSI payment. You can deduct $65 of your earned monthly income, plus an additional $20 of either earned or unearned income for a total of $85. Additionally, you can then subtract half of your remaining income. Add this to the $85. The remaining income is then subtracted from your maximum SSI payment.

Maintenance and Support

If you are disabled and are receiving food and/or shelter from a friend or family member and you don’t pay them rent or board, the SSA counts this as unearned income, or in-kind support. This unearned income is subtracted from your SSI payment. While it may seem unfair, the SSA believes that since you have someone providing your meals and/or a place to live, you don’t need as much money to live on. A Dallas SSI Attorney can help determine whether you are receiving in-kind support.

Multiple SSA Benefits

Some SSI applicants also receive a minimal Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) payment. The SSI supplements these payments so that the total amount received by a recipient equals the FBR of $733 per month. For example, if you are receiving an SSDI benefit of $375 per month, SSI would pay $358 per month so you would receive the full SSI amount. This excludes any money that the State of Texas would include. Remember that SSI has stringent requirements regarding income and assets. As such, some people who receive SSDI may not be eligible to receive SSI even if their SSDI is below the Federal Benefit Rate of $733 per month.

Where to Find Help from a Dallas SSI Attorney

Navigating any federal program is time-consuming and confusing. If you contact an experienced Dallas SSI Attorney at Graves Law, they will help you understand if you are qualified to receive benefits, what documentation you need and how to apply. A skilled Dallas SSI attorney can improve your chances of getting the benefits you deserve. Call Graves Law at (214) 321-6940. We serve all areas in and around Dallas-Fort Worth, TX.