What is the amount of a monthly disability benefit payment?
First, there is a difference between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI benefit amounts vary for each individual and are based on the person’s average earnings before he or she became disabled. SSI benefits are a set amount paid to low-income disabled people who have not paid enough into the Social Security system to be eligible for SSDI.
For an individual, the easiest way to find out what your disability benefit amount would be is to view your Social Security statement. You can view your statement by logging in or creating an account at the My Social Security website. The benefit amount is calculated according to a formula based on the income on which you have paid Social Security taxes. If you are not able to create or use a My Social Security account, you can get an estimate of your expected benefit by using the Social Security benefit calculator.
SSDI Benefit Amount
The majority of SSDI recipients receive a monthly payment of between $300 and $2,200. In 2020, the average SSDI payment for an unmarried individual is $1,258. The cost-of-living adjustment for 2020 was 1.6 percent, so benefits increased by a small amount from 2019 to 2020.
SSDI benefits are not affected by the recipient’s other income or assets, except for other disability benefits regulated by the government, such as temporary state disability benefits or workers’ compensation. If these total more than 80 percent of the average amount you earned before you began receiving disability benefits, then your SSDI benefits may be reduced.
SSI Benefit Amount
SSI benefits, by contrast, are not based on an individual’s past earnings. They are a set amount, which may increase annually based on cost-of-living adjustments, and may be reduced based on the recipient’s current income and assets. The 2020 federal maximum is $783 per month for an eligible individual and $1,175 for an eligible individual with an eligible spouse. There was a slight cost-of-living increase from the 2019 amounts. Some states have an optional state supplement that adds to the federal benefit amount.
In Florida, SSI recipients may receive food assistance through SUNCAP (food stamps) without an additional application. Florida does not have a general state supplement to SSI the way some states do, so the SSI amount in Florida is just the federal maximum of $783 per month for an eligible individual and $1,175 for an eligible individual with an eligible spouse. Florida has an Optional State Supplementation, but that is only for people in residential treatment facilities such as group homes or assisted living.
Please Note: Some questions from readers have also been answered, but we have closed comments for now as our time to answer questions is limited. Any answers are for informational purposes only; they do not constitute legal advice and do not establish an attorney-client relationship.
274 Comments on What is the amount of a monthly disability benefit payment?
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The information on this website does not constitute legal advice. Use of this website, including the contact form or comments form, does not establish an attorney-client relationship. In Florida, Brendan Conley practices Social Security disability law exclusively. Attorney charges no fee unless your case is successful; clients may be responsible for their own costs, such as medical costs. Copyright Brendan Conley 2013-2024. Colorado: 1400 16th St. Ste. 400, Denver, CO 80202. Phone: 720-738-1737. Fax: 720-513-9654. D.C./Virginia: 4250 Fairfax Dr. Ste. 600, Arlington, Virginia 22203. Phone: 703-485-4094. Fax: 703-343-9208. Florida: 7320 E. Fletcher Ave. Tampa, FL 33637. Phone: 813-444-2889. Fax: 813-492-2926.
Which Florida State Agency should I apply to for SSI (not SSDI) benefits. I seem to qualify and can’t find the proper agency or phone/fax number or address. Thank you.
You can apply for SSI with the Social Security Administration (which is a federal agency rather than a state agency). You can call 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment at your local Social Security office to file an application. If your application is denied, an attorney may be able to help. If you are in the Tampa Bay area, feel free to call us at 813-444-2889.
I live in Milwaukee wi planning to move to Bradenton fl I get ssi and have 6 children I’m wondering what my income would be
Since SSI is a federal program, the amount should not change. However, if the state of Wisconsin adds any optional state supplement to the federal amount, that would not be available in Florida, because Florida does not offer a general state supplement.
I am moving from Tennessee to Florida. I receive ssi /ssdi with dual insurance. How will this move effect my current benefits?
A move to another state should not substantially affect SSI/SSDI benefits, as they are federal benefits. Two possible ways benefits could be affected are: (1) Since SSI benefits are means-tested, if your financial situation is changing (for instance if you would be receiving free rent in your new home), your SSI benefits could be lowered on that basis. (That could happen even if you moved within the same state.) and (2) States may offer certain additional benefits to SSI recipients. For instance, in Florida, SSI recipients can receive SUNCAP food assistance. So those would depend on the state you live in.
I live in Michigan and moving to Florida St. Petersburg area I currently have ssdi in the amount of 1066monthly /Medicare no Medicaid nor food stamps how will this work once I get married and moving? Do marriage affect my income ssdi?
Welcome to Florida! Getting married will not affect SSDI, and moving to another state will not affect SSDI either. Just call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to tell them your new address. Your Medicare benefits should also stay the same, but if you have a Medicare Advantage plan or Part D prescription drug plan that is geographically limited, then make sure you switch to a plan that covers the area you move to.
Im told that florida only pays SSI to those who live in an adult group home of sorts. That i will not get SSI since i live in my own home. Is this correct?
No. SSI has income and asset limits, so to be eligible, your income cannot be above a certain amount, and you cannot have more than $2,000 in “countable assets.” However, some assets, such as the house you live in, do not count, so you can even own your own home and be eligible for SSI. Also, many people on SSI live in apartments or other housing situations. There is no requirement to be in a group home.
Thank you so much for your help. This is very confusing. I have no other income until I start receiving SSDI in July.{ Ive received nothing for either SSDI or SSI} Do I have to apply for Medicaid so I can finally see doctors or will I just receive it?
Someone who has been approved for SSDI will receive Medicare, but there is a two-year waiting period. One may be able to receive Medicaid n the meantime, if one also receives SSI or meets the income and asset limits of the SSI program. In Florida, enrollment in Medicaid is automatic with SSI approval, and there is no waiting period.
How much do they give u for sis in flordia
In Florida, the maximum SSI benefit is just the federal maximum: $733 per month for an eligible individual and $1,100 for an eligible individual with an eligible spouse, plus food assistance through SUNCAP. Florida does not have a general state supplement to SSI the way some states do. Florida has an Optional State Supplementation, but that is only for people in residential treatment facilities such as group homes or assisted living.
Thank you again.
I decided to move from Michigan to Florida and I am on SSI. I moved for health reasons but am concerned I won’t get Medicaid any more because everyone I’ve spoken to here says oh they’ll say you’ll get it…but you wont. I need insurance severly. They also say Florida ssi doesn’t give you what you received in MI. Do I just go to Social Security building..walk in and they’ll see me?
Florida, like Michigan, grants Medicaid automatically to SSI recipients. The SSI benefit amount should not change, because they are federal benefits. Other states may offer additional benefits that Florida does not. Florida offers food assistance through SUNCAP. You can walk in to a Social Security office, but you may have a shorter wait if you make an appointment by calling 1-800-772-1213. Here is more information about Medicaid in Florida.
I currently live in PA moving to Tampa fl in July. My son receives ssi. But they do go by my income to determine what I will get for him monthly … Is that how it is in Florida…?
That is correct. Since SSI benefits are federal, the income limits are handled the same way from state to state.
Ok thanks for your help
What is the maxium amount you can recieve with ssi and ssd payment together?
The maximum SSI benefit payment is $733 per month in 2016. If you have low SSDI benefits (for instance because you have not worked much recently) , then SSI can bring your monthly benefit up to $733, but not higher. (You also have to meet the asset limits and other requirements of SSI.)
I receive $650 a month for social security disability and then $102 a month for ssi. I am about to be on my own and have to pay bills on my own. Is the maximum amount of $733 for ssi only or is it the combined amount of both benefits?
The federal benefit rate for a single eligible adult is $735 per month in 2017. So a person who is on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) only receives $735 per month from SSI. A person who receives $650 per month from Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) and is otherwise eligible for SSI would normally receive an additional $85 per month from SSI to bring them up to the federal benefit rate. Some people receive more because they live in a state that has an optional state supplement, where the state adds on to the SSI amount.
Can u work on ssi I was told u could to earn extra income especially if u have a child? $735 is not enough to live off on I mean rent, electric, food, gas, car n ins…..this stuff adds up which is over the living expenses.
You can work, but your benefits will be reduced. See this Social Security webpage for details.
I’m moving to Florida from Massachusetts I get ssdi I get 860 dollars how much will I receive in Florida what is Floridas Supplements Pay mass pays 137 dollars
Unfortunately, Florida does not have a general state supplement to SSI the way Massachusetts does, so SSI recipients in Florida get the federal benefits only (maximum $733/mo. in 2016) plus food assistance through SUNCAP. Florida has an Optional State Supplementation, but that is only for people in residential treatment facilities such as group homes or assisted living.
I am 45 years old and received an award letter for SSDI on my own income but I just found out my ex-husband has been collecting SSDI and SSI for several years. I have not remarried. Will SSDI be paid to me based on his income or my own?
In this situation the benefits will be paid based on your earnings record. Divorced spouses can receive benefits based on their ex-spouse’s record only under certain conditions, including being age 62 or older.
Also do I still have to wait the 2 years waiting period for Medicare? Thank you in advance.
Yes, SSDI beneficiaries are entitled to Medicare 2 years after their SSDI entitlement date. It may be possible to get Medicaid in the meantime if you meet the income and asset requirements.
SSI in Leesburg is saying my ex husbands {also collecting SSDI and SSI} income will be counted as mutual income because we both live on my sons land. We do not share living quarters at all. We only have the same ” yard” with the RV my daughter and I live in and the trailer he stays with my son. Is this correct of them?
Generally speaking, a person in this type of situation would want to emphasize that they live in a separate household. Things like separate rental agreements, separate electric bills, etc. may be helpful.
How long does SSI process usually take?
Thank you
The decision on an initial application is usually made in about 60 days. If the decision is favorable, then it may take Social Security another 30-60 days to process the approval and start making payments. However, if the initial application is denied, then the appeal time can be lengthy. The steps in the appeal process are described here. The current wait time for a hearing in Tampa is about 16 months. I recommend hiring an attorney if you receive a denial. (Your attorney is paid from your back pay if you win.)
I currently recieve ssi if i divorce will it go down? Also If I were to marry another guy that receives ssdi would it affect me and him?
For your first question, the answer depends on whether your current spouse has any income. When you live with a spouse, some of their income counts against you in terms of the income limits for SSI, so if that is the case and you are receiving less than the federal maximum of $733/month, then your benefits could increase if you divorce. However, any alimony you receive would also count toward the income limits. As for a future marriage to a person receiving SSDI, their benefits should not decrease because SSDI (unlike SSI) does not have the same income limits. But, just like the previous marriage, your spouse’s income could count against you in terms of the SSI income limits. You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 for more information.
My family and I are preparing to move to Orlando from St. Louis. My fiancé receives 1160.00 in disability and my daughter receives 733.00 in disability and the daughter we have together receives 594.00 in payment from his disability will this change when we moved to Florida. Also I planned on continuing to work will I be eligible to receive foodstamps or will I be cut off because I receive too much already. Thank you.
Social Security disability benefits should not change when you move to another state, as they are federal benefits. As for SUNCAP food assistance in Florida, there are income limits to be eligible. You can learn more here or call 1-866-762-2237 for more information.
My family and I are moving from NJ to Florida. I collect SSDI. Do I have to call Florida Agency to tell them about my move? Am I eligible to receive Suncap food assistance? Does my monthly check changes when I move to Florida? Do I get the medicare insurance?
You do have to inform Social Security of your change of address, which you can do online or by calling 1-800-772-1213. SUNCAP is food assistance for people who receive SSI. You may be eligible for general food assistance if you meet the eligibility requirements, including making less than 200% of the federal poverty level. The amount of your federal benefits will not change when you move from one state to another. Generally, people who receive SSDI are eligible for Medicare 2 years after their eligibility date, and moving to another state will not change that.
Thank you.
I am in my first appeal for disability at the age of 31. I have two young children, which one has medical issues. I have a lawyer and I haven’t even heard anything from them since last year and they don’t return messages. I was wondering if I can apply for ssi also while I’m in the appeals process for disability because I am responsible for my children, but haven’t had an income since December 2014.
Usually, if there is a possibility that you are eligible for both SSDI and SSI, then you will apply for both types of benefits as part of the same process. However, the determination process is not faster for one or the other. Your attorney should answer your questions. If you’re not satisfied with your attorney, you have the right to fire them and hire someone else.
If my daughter gets SSDI and SSI can she get SUNCAP? Or is SUNCAP only for people who just get SSI?
SUNCAP is food assistance that is available to people on SSI, without the need for an additional application. Receiving both SSDI and SSI should not affect the ability to receive SUNCAP, but general food assistance is available even for people who do not receive SSI. So as long as your daughter meets the income and other eligibility requirements, she should be able to receive either SUNCAP or general food assistance. The application is here.
I applied with that form and they only signed me up for SNAP instead and I needed SUNCAP. Is there another way to contact SUNCAP by mail?
Both SNAP and SUNCAP are food assistance. My understanding is that if you are on SSI, they may or may not automatically move you from SNAP to SUNCAP. You can call the Florida Department of Children and Families at 1-866-762-2237 for more information.
Hi I live in Michigan I am on SSi and SS. I make $753.00 a month. I also get Medicaid , Medicare. When I move will I be cut from any of this or will my pay still be the same. I also get some food stamps here also. Also how would I go to get all of this stuff done can I do it before I move thro the mail or do I have to wait till I get down there to change all my stuff over
When moving to another state, the federal benefits will not change. Any additional state supplemental benefits depend on the state you live in. In Florida, food assistance is available. You can let Social Security know your change of address by calling 1-800-772-1213.
I believe I will qualify for SSI once I go to my hearing. It will retro to June of 2012 according to SSI laws. Location, Florida
1.Do both my children receive retro from that date?
2.Will they both receive payments until they are 19 and 2 months as long as they are in school?
3.Will the retro for my now 18 year old go to him or go to me?
4.What amount will I receive per child if I am receiving SSI?
5.Will I receive anything per child if I was receiving child support for them?
6.Is it fact, the cap my lawyer will receive is 25% or $6000, whichever is LOWER from my back pay?
7.While receiving SSI, Am I allowed to own one home and one vehicle?
8.Does the value of my vehicle affect my SSI or Medicare? I know the value of my vehicle affects Medicaid.
9.I’m aware you must wait three months after your hearing for a decision to come via mail. If the decision is in my favor to receive SSI, How long does it take to begin receiving monthly benefits and back pay?
Thank you for your time.
If you’re represented by an attorney, you should ask your attorney these questions. They will have better answers since they know the facts of your case. That is especially true for your first five questions. The answers to those questions also depend on whether you are claiming that just you are disabled, or one or more children are disabled as well. Here are answers to your other questions, which are more general:
6. Yes, that is what can be paid directly to your attorney by Social Security, so that is the usual fee agreement. However, you should refer to the fee agreement you signed with your attorney.
7. Yes.
8. No. One vehicle that you use for transportation is excluded from the resource limits, regardless of its value.
9. Judges vary in how long it takes them to issue a written decision after a hearing, but three months is a good estimate. After the written decision has been issued, then the local office is supposed to process it within 60 days and start payments.
Hello, I’ve stumbled upon your forum searching for some much needed information, and you seem to be very well informed of everything that everyone asks.
I have a couple simple questions and for you to answer would be so kind.
1.) I was approved the beginning of April 2016 for my SSI. They told me when the judge said I was approved that it would be 30-90 days for me to receive something in the mail letting me know direct deposit information for back pay and future benefit deposits.
2.) They also stated that I would get Medicare and from what I’m reading it takes up to 2 years to get?
My family just got served with a notice to vacate (Not an eviction notice) from our current landlord because they are tired of having to make repairs in our unit to the air conditioner (Florida is hot all year round) and we are poor. My husband is the only one who works because I am obviously unable. We have 3 children and it is impossible for us to find new housing within the 15 days they are giving us to vacate. (We got the letter to vacate May 1st taped to our door.)
Should I contact a lawyer about this? I’ve been frantically trying to find any low income housing available, looking at just about everything we can try to afford but South Florida is too expensive to live here and we can’t leave because this is our home and I have issues with even leaving the house sometimes from anxiety and fear.
I appreciate your help and if there is a phone number that can be contacted to expedite the back pay so we can try to find a place to move much more quickly I would appreciate any knowledge or information you might have for me.
Thank you so very kindly,
S
I am sorry to hear that you are in this situation and I am happy to help if I can. To answer your questions:
1. Once the judge issues a written decision in your case, then your local Social Security office is supposed to process payments within 60 days. As soon as the written decision has been issued, you can start asking your local office for updates. Local Social Security offices do not publicize their phone numbers, but the judge’s written decision should include the local number, or you can call the general number: 1-800-772-1213.
2. Medicare comes with SSDI and you get it 2 years after the date your disability began. Medicaid comes with SSI and you get it as soon as you get your SSI benefits.
As for the housing issue, yes you should seek legal help. An attorney may be able to help you stop or delay the eviction. You can search for a legal aid organization in your area at floridalawhelp.org.
After a couok months trying to get the state of florida to understand I am divorced and not living with my ex-husband they finally got it! I see they have figured they owe me 2199.00 in back SSI benefits { 625.50} monthly .. DO they send me a check for that full amount or break it down so I don’t exceed the monthly income limit?
When SSI back payments would exceed 3 times the maximum federal benefit rate (FBR), then they are paid in installments 6 months apart (not more than 3 installments though). The current monthly FBR is $733, so back payments of more than $2,199 would be broken down into installments, with the first being for $2,199. The fact that you mention that exact figure makes me think that maybe the $2,199 payment you are getting might be just your first installment? Either way, the amount of $2,199 would not need to be broken down into further installments.
It just says that amount and ” one time payment” Also I don’t have a bank account until I receive a check . Is that going to just come as a paper check in my mail box? Or is there something I should do right away to get that payment?
If you don’t have a bank account with direct deposit set up, then payment will likely be made on a prepaid debit card, as paper checks are being phased out. You can call 1-800-772-1213 to check on the status.
Hello, I have a question my daughter has been disabled since she was 5, she is 21 now we live in Florida , her payments for ssdi are so low she could not survive on it. Most people I have talked to who are receiving payments for their disability receive 733 she only receives 400 she has never worked and cant so I am wondering why hers is so low for her. She lives with us.
If she has never worked, then the benefits would be SSI, not SSDI. The maximum SSI federal benefit for an individual is $733 per month. One reason this amount may be reduced is if Social Security determines that the SSI recipient lives in someone else’s household and does not pay their share of food and shelter. (The idea is that if they are getting free rent then they don’t need as much of a benefit.) If this is the reason your daughter’s payment is reduced, then you may be able to fix it by proving to Social Security that your daughter pays you for food and shelter, for instance by showing them a signed rental agreement. More info is here.
im mildly retarted and my mom uses the ssi money to pay bills and they dont count that as paying rent can they do that
i mean they said that doesnt count and i get less
Assuming you are over the age of 18, then your SSI benefit may be reduced because Social Security sees you as not paying for the food and shelter you receive at home. More info is here. You may be able to fix this, for example by showing Social Security a written rental agreement that shows you pay rent to your mother.
Hello I have a question, I live n Delaware and I was looking to move to Florida in October and I receive SSI which is $733 I wanted to know will my benefits go down or will it remains the same.
When moving to another state, the federal benefits will not change. It will still be $733 per month. The only thing that may change is any additional state supplemental benefits, which depend on the state you live in. In Florida, there is no supplemental cash benefit, but SUNCAP food assistance is available.
Thank you your answer helped me a lot.
Hi, I live in New York and I’m moving to Florida in July. I’m currently receiving SSDI. My question is can I apply for Snap/medicaid before moving in July? I currently receive Snap and have medicaid here in NY.
Here is a link to information about how to apply for Medicaid and food assistance in Florida. Both programs require you to be a Florida resident, and I am not aware of a way to apply before you move, but you can call 1-866-762-2237 to ask.
Hi, my boyfriend has stage 4 cancer and gets SSDI of $1,250, we have a disabled child together who also gets $650 using his SSDI claim and because she is also disabled. Would I get benefits if we were married? And would those benefits take away from what my daughters gets since she is collecting on his benefits now? Thanks
Yes, if you were married and helping to care for your daughter, and your daughter is under 16 years old or disabled, then you could be eligible for benefits up to 50% of your husband’s amount. However, the total amount your family would be able to receive would be limited by the maximum family benefit, which would be determined by Social Security based on a formula that takes into account your husband’s past earnings. The maximum family benefit is usually between 150% and 180% of the disabled worker’s benefit amount, so for your family the maximum would probably be somewhere between what the family currently receives and $2,250. If you were entitled to benefits but your family was limited by the family maximum, then your husband’s benefit amount would not be reduced, but yours and your daughter’s would be reduced proportionally.
Hello Brendan, I have a question, I am not sure you are able to help me with the answer, but thought good place to start is here where you have answered some good questions for others.
I am 56 and on SSI, due to my disability I am not able to live on my own as I need help with even some of the simplest things, anyway my daughter is my 24/7 caregiver and here in Illinois at least until I am the age of 59, the state of Illinois pays her to be my caregiver, which is great as she has two little ones to support as well. We have talked about moving to Florida and my question to you is, as not ALL states will pay family members to be caregivers, would you know if Florida has a program that will…as she obviously needs an income for her family, but I can’t be left alone for long periods of time…Thanks for any advice you can come up with!
Hi Jackie. I believe that a similar program is available in Florida: the Home Care for the Disabled Adult program, described on page 11 of this PDF factsheet. You can call the Florida Department of Children and Families at 1-866-762-2237 to find out for sure.
Thanks for the info Brendan!
I am in florida and uabe always worked. I have never collected unemployment. I am applying for disability and I have a 8 year child. What should I do and how much will they give me? Will it be enough to survive?
You can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits online here. If you are denied after the first application, then a Social Security disability attorney may be able to help. If you are in the Tampa Bay area, feel free to contact us. Working people pay into the Social Security system with their taxes and so are eligible for SSDI. The amount of your benefit depends on how much you earned. You can see how much your disability benefit would be by creating or logging into a my Social Security account. Additionally, a dependent child under the age of 18 can receive up to 50% of your benefit amount.
I am suppose to get SSI this month but SSDI says I will receive 498 in July for June. I am aware that the SSI payments will drop and SSDI should remain the same but for some unknown reason Food Assistance has it as I am going to get 498$ SSDI and 625.50 SSI this month. When I look on the my social sec site it has dropped my SSDI to 0 and just has my ssi as 625.50 for June. NOW I have lost Medicaid but unsure why This is very confusing and I cant seem to find any answers in any of the papers or books I have received. Can you please explain to me how this works and if it all sounds right?
No, that does not sound right. At the very least, it sounds like the Social Security site is showing something different from what you have been informed of. There are various reasons why SSDI or SSI may be lowered. If Social Security lowers your benefits, they have to tell you why. If you received a notice in the mail, it should state a reason. You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask for an explanation. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal it. When Social Security tries to lower your SSI, if you appeal within 10 days of receiving the notice, your benefits may continue at the same amount until a decision is made on your appeal.
My daughter is moving back to Florida from Australia. In Australia she receives disability due to her medical issues. Can her disability from Australia transferred to Florida? If not what does she need to apply in Florida?
The U.S. and Australia have an international agreement on Social Security, so transferring eligibility may be possible. This Social Security webpage has more information about the U.S.-Australia agreement, and having a claim in one country considered for benefits in the other country, including how to apply for U.S. benefits from Australia. The full agreement is here. Information at the first link above indicates that one can apply for U.S. benefits in Australia at a Centrelink Customer Service Center, so she may wish to inquire there about transferring eligibility.
From the U.S., you can apply for SSDI benefits online, and apply for SSI benefits by calling 1-800-772-1213.
I am suppose to be getting both SSDI of 498 and some SSI From what I understand. My questions are based on my SSDI amount how much SSI am I to recieve? { I have no other income} and would I get payments from two places as in two different checks or one check?
People receiving less than $733 per month in SSDI and who qualify for SSI can receive whatever amount in SSI will bring them up to the maximum federal benefit rate ($733 in 2016). Receiving both SSDI and SSI is called concurrent benefits. As this Social Security benefit payment schedule for 2016 indicates, people receiving concurrent benefits receive a single payment on the 3rd of each month. Rather than receiving checks, recipients are now supposed to sign up for direct deposit or a Direct Express prepaid card.
I plan on moving from Missouri to florida for health reasons. I’m on SSI & I receive EBT. What is Florida’s monthly ssi payment?
Florida’s monthly SSI payment is just the federal benefit rate of $733, unless you live in an adult family care home or assisted living facility, in which case you may be eligible for the additional state supplement of $78.40. Food assistance is also available.
I was hurt just over a year ago on the job. I’m now told that I have received my MMI from the the doctors and they have me as no walk standing etc. For until I have no more pain. They told me I could apply for Ssi but I’m only 34 and scared that I have no job and no way to work at the types of jobs Im only good at. Standing walking etc. Is there a chance I can get ssi cant wait like most. So best way or getting ssi and how long does it take?
One thing to know is that there are two types of Social Security disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You mentioned SSI, but if you have worked enough in recent years, you may have paid enough into the system to qualify for SSDI benefits, which may be a higher amount. You can find out the amount your benefit payments would be by creating or logging into a My Social Security account. If you are disabled but don’t have enough work credits for SSDI, you can still get SSI if you have limited income and resources.
You can apply for SSDI online, but for SSI you have to call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment. If you apply and get denied, contact a Social Security disability attorney in your area. (If you’re in the Tampa Bay area, call me.)
One more thing: you mention being hurt on the job, so I hope you also applied for workers’ compensation. You can receive both SSDI and workers’ compensation at the same time, but the total is limited to 80 percent of your income when you were fully employed.
Thank you so much for the reply. I was part time and went throught comp. They gave me knee surgery and have basically cut me off now that Im at my MMI. They stated that they knew that my job didn’t not offer anything for my type of restrictions so they are seeing about buying me out of the job in a word. The year prior to injury I made just about 10k and it has been much less. I’m not looking for a hand out, just a helping hand I put into the system while I could and will continue as long as I can. Yet as you can see the time I’m just worried about the future. And might just go back to school. Thank you for your time. Jon
Can you get disability and work at 61 yrs.Old.
A disabled person may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) anytime before reaching full retirement age. However, one of the requirements for being found disabled is that you are not working at the level of substantial gainful activity, which generally means not earning more than a certain amount per month ($1,130 in 2016).
I’m currently receiving ssi $733 once a month. Will that income go up if i was to move to Florida?
Unfortunately, no. Florida does not offer a general state supplement, so SSI recipients get only the federal benefits (maximum $733/mo. in 2016) plus food assistance through SUNCAP. Florida has an Optional State Supplementation, but that is only for people in residential treatment facilities such as group homes or assisted living.
When your child has been on SSI for their own disability and they turn 18, how long does it take to get SSDA approved? Did the application back in May and they just now asked for the daily questionnaire to be filled out, which I just mailed out yesterday.
There is no set time for age 18 redeterminations to be completed. Social Security states only that “we usually do this review during the one-year period that begins on your child’s 18th birthday,” but there is no regulation requiring them to complete the redetermination during that period. Also, if the redetermination results in denial, then you have the right to appeal (and the right to request that benefits continue while you appeal, if you appeal within 10 days), and the appeal can be a lengthy process.
Ok so they can take a long time? I ask because she is still getting SSI and that changed from the child to adult one but since her dad has cancer they had me apply for her to get SSDA on his SSDA account, saying she could get more money from that than the SSI payment. But with that application, they are acting like this is a new disability case, like we have to prove she is disabled again, even though SSI already said she has been disabled for a while now. But another question, if for some reason SSDA says she is not disabled, will that affect her SSI case? Will they then say well SSDA said she is not disabled, so now we find her not disabled? I assumed when I went to her SSI adult review, that the SSDA application was to simply change the money from one program to the other and not have some redetermination. Or is this normal and I should not worry?
Any time a disabled child receiving SSI turns 18, Social Security will at some point do a complete review where essentially the disability has to be proved again, because there are different disability standards for adults than for children. So that would be happening regardless.
When you say SSDA, I think you mean Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and it sounds like your child would be filing for disabled adult child benefits on her father’s record. That is a good idea, because as they mentioned, it may result in higher benefits. However, that also goes by the same adult standard for disability, so that redetermination would happen either way. Often when you are applying for SSDI and SSI simultaneously, you are getting notices related to both and it can be confusing.
I’m sure this has been answered already, but I’ve probably managed to miss it somehow:
I was recieving the $315 via SSI and $438 via SSDI until this month. Payment for SSDI was halted with no word, no warning, no notification at all. This has left me in quite a bind and owing quite a bit on bills that were budgeted. Is there any way to recover the amount lost from disability or am I now saddled with a $315 monthly income? Please, help! (Also, thank you for being so kind and informative to everyone asking questions. Oftentimes, we call or come into the offices to be greeted with rude and condescending attitudes. We are all people and those of us forced to live on SSI/SSDI usually don’t want to and didn’t expect to have to live this way. So, kudos Brendan Conley!)
Glad I can help. I know it is frustrating dealing with the Social Security bureaucracy.
Your benefits should never stop with no warning. Typically you will get a letter stating what is going to happen and why, and it will also state the fact that you have the right to appeal that decision. One thing you can do is call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or go into a local office and say that apparently a decision was made to stop your SSDI benefits and you want to file an appeal of that decision. Normally as part of that process you would refer to the date on the notice of decision you received, but you can tell them you never received a notice. Filing an appeal will trigger another look at your case. If a mistake was made, it may be corrected, or at least you will be informed of what the decision was and you can appeal it.
Yes is has been confusing, but you have helped me a lot. Thank you.
I am in TX and have been disabled for 30 years but received SSDI benefits for about 19 years, since 1996. After medicare is taken out, I only get 925 per month DD. Does that mean I will never qualify for SSI? And does it matter if I live with my 2 adult children? I was told I only qualify for only 8 to TEN dollars in food benefits and that I don’t qualify for medicaid because of their part time income. Also I don’t qualify for SSI because my SSDI is more than 733. And dont qualify for HUD because theres a 4 yr wait list. I could be dead by then. I was also told if I COULD work for someone else, that I could only make 750 per month for 9 months. If I make 1174 GROSS not net, then they take out one dollar for every 2 dollars I make but let me keep medicare. On the other hand, if I work self employed which is my only option, if I make 400 GROSS PER YEAR, and work 20 hours PER MONTH, they take away all of my 925 benefits bcuz it’s considered substantial gainful employment. What sense does that make? So I don’t know how anyone can make the max benefit of (2300 something). My rent here is 850/MO and going up at the end of August along with everything else.
Who the hell made up these minimum amounts and how do we get them changed? When was this minimum number set in place? I would love to work but can’t. It’s so depressing and just makes disability worse with the constant financial stress. I can’t take meds but I can’t even afford to eat much less spend 40 bucks a month on vitamins that seemed to be helping somewhat. Nobody can live this way and I’m convinced the system is designed to pick everybody off. Can u please confirm these numbers or clarify them? I’ve watched all the ticket to work videos with SS and they are so incredibly deceptive. They say you can keep benefits but its only medicare, not the money you get to live on. Medicare covers nothing because the doctors I need wont take medicare, so its just a big scam.
I am a single mom and am having a very hard time. Cant sit or stand more than a few minutes much less walk more than 10 feet without resting because my hips are all messed up. All this because my spinal column is basically disintegrating from the metal corrosion from harrington rods (T2-L4) when I was 17 causing all sorts of horrible problems. There was a recall 4 years later but nobody told me. Now its 36 plus years and I’m totally disabled. Finally received a car tag 6 months ago. Revision surgery to have them removed guarantees paralysis. Nothing anyone can do.
Also, I thought about crowd funding to help pay for medical and living expenses, abd trying to work from home online but all those are self employment opptys IF you can find legitimite ones….but was told that any crowd funding like Go Fund Me would be considered income and taxable on top of that. So where does that leave ppl like me? One woman i saw over the internet who had ppl contribute 50k for a single mom who was battling cancer got a 19,000 bill from the IRS. That’s just sick. Our tax dollars at work, meanwhile congress gets millions in salaries and free healthcare.
Posting all these questions so other ppl know how impossible they make it for anyone to even try and to get clarification. I didn’t read any other posts that went into this area. This is the only blog I found that answers ppl so thank you and please answer asap.
I understand your frustration. I agree that Social Security benefits are too low and need to be expanded. Organizations like Social Security Works and the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare are organizing to pressure Congress to expand benefits. Getting involved with such organizations and contacting your representatives in Congress is the best way to help make a change.
As for the specifics of your situation, generally speaking, as an SSDI and Medicare beneficiary receiving more than $733 per month in SSDI benefits, you would not be eligible for SSI or Medicaid. And there are strict limits on how much you can work, because not being able to work is one of the requirements of getting disability benefits.
Gifts or donations from GoFundMe or another source would not affect your SSDI benefits because it is not income from working. However, it would have to be reported to the IRS appropriately like any other kind of income.
The Ticket to Work program may still be helpful for you. It’s important to note that the first nine months that you work is considered a trial work period and your benefits are not reduced. This pdf has more information.
Thank you for taking the time to respond and providing the information and links on the organizations. I will look into them and hopefully offer my own info to affect change. The system is designed to oppress and imprison, from my experience. Very depressing but some good has to come of it all. At least this is a starting point. Thanks again.
Don’t give up hope. It has often been necessary, both historically and individually, for people to fight for the benefits they deserve. The struggle is often successful.
Thank you Brandon. It’s obvious you’re the type of person who genuinely cares about ppl and not just another lawyer who rushes you off the phone the second they know they can’t make a quick buck.Very bad experiences with attorneys in the past so I’m appreciative of your time and sensitivities. I’m sure I speak for all of us asking questions when I say how grateful we are that you take time to answer questions and in detail the way you have in these posts. God bless you for your efforts.
Thanks for your kind words. I am glad I can help.
Are you automatically approved Food Stamps if you receive SSI/SSDI ?
Each state has different rules for food stamps, but every state has income and asset limits. In Florida, SSI recipients can receive food assistance through SUNCAP without an additional application. SSDI recipients might be eligible for food stamps if they meet the income and asset limits.
I lived in Florida,now living with my daughter in Massachusetts
I recently filed for SSI.& SSDI
I have a lawyer in Florida
Wanting to be closer to my family I moved
I have to pay for my own food and pay rent to my daughter
How much do you have to pay rent for to qualify?
my daughter knows I am not
That I.will not be getting much
My meds are over $300 a month.
I pay for a room ,for using water and electric and washing clothes
A month room 300
Will that change my rate from the 733
because I live with my daughter and pay low rent
Thanks
To be eligible for either SSDI or SSI, you must be found disabled. For SSI, there are additional financial requirements: generally speaking, you must have less than $2,000 in resources (except one car and your house do not count), and income of less than $733 per month. SSI will pay a benefit that brings your income up to $733 per month. The amount that you pay for food and shelter is only a factor if you are receiving food and shelter that you are not paying for, in which case Social Security may reduce your benefit by one third. If Social Security found that you are paying your own food and shelter costs, then this would not affect you.
SSI and SSA benefits goin up in 2017 yes or no.
We don’t know yet. The official cost of living adjustment (COLA) is usually announced in October. For now, the projection is that there may be a 0.2 percent increase.
Do i need a lawyer for my ssi case? Is it better to have a lawyer represent me?
A lawyer is recommended. The Social Security Administration often issues a denial on the initial application, even on strong cases where the disability should be approved. A lawyer can figure out what’s missing and file an appeal with new evidence and represent you in a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
Most attorneys in this field are not paid unless they win your case for you, and then they are paid 25 percent of your back pay, up to a maximum of $6,000, which is withheld from your back pay and paid directly to the lawyer by Social Security. Going forward, the benefits are 100 percent yours.
Thank you brendan for your quick reply and for all your assistance. You took the time to explain to me the potential battle that lay ahead. Sir i will gladly agree to those terms.
And i now know who i will be calling to be my lawyer. Thank you.
Kind regards, Lj
I am 71 yrs old I am recieving retirement benefits the amount I recieve is so low $540 per month it is so low that I have to continue working which is so painful as I have been diagnose with Osteoarthritis. If I stop working completely.Will my retirement benefit increase?
If you are receiving Social Security retirement benefits, then once you have reached full retirement age, whether you are working or not has no effect on that benefit amount. However, if you only received $540 per month in Social Security retirement benefits, and you had no other income, then you might also be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which could bring your total benefit up to $733 per month.
My daughter had her child to adult review for SSI, can she still get SS under her fathers SSDI even she lives with her father? I ask because she was getting SSDI and SSI and now only gets SSI since her adult transition and actually they stopped her SSDI for two months when she turned 18 until her review was done and don;t they owe her those months in back pay since they found her disabled as a baby?
It sounds like your daughter was getting SSI based on her own disability in addition to benefits as the dependent of her father who receives SSDI. If that is the case, then the dependent SSDI benefits stop at age 18. The SSI adult transition is a separate matter, to determine whether she will continue to receive SSI under the stricter rules for adults. As for back pay, for SSI you only receive back payments back to the application date.
Also, since she is 18 now, I was told to get a bank account for her money, that it could not still be deposited into my account but the SS person I keep speaking to don;t make it clear enough. The SS office still made me her representative because she can’t take care of her own money but she is too mentally disabled to open an account on her own, can’t sign anything and I would be the one needing to get the money and spend it for her. So if it has to be her account with her name only how does one set that up? They said not to make it a trust account, must be a checking account in just her name.
I recommend reading this Social Security document on being a representative payee. The document states that the account should be in the beneficiary’s name (your daughter), with the representative payee (you) listed as the financial agent. For instance, “(Your name), as representative payee for (Beneficiary’s name).”
Thank you, you have been so helpful, more so than the SS office who gives me either no answers or a different one every time I ask a question. Very frustrating. Now they finally got my daughters SSDI and SSI approved ok but they sent out the wrong amount of back pay. They still owe her more so I guess I just need to complain about that. They make it more difficult than it should be. Both SS programs should get together and send out one check each month instead of two.
I agree that people working for Social Security are not always as helpful as one would hope. The SSA needs more administrative funding, some of which should definitely go to improve training!
Yes, if you got the wrong amount of back pay, then follow up with them. It is not unusual for them to recalculate back payments to correct errors. If they make a final decision on back pay that you feel is in error, then you can appeal it.
Yes, one check would be easier for beneficiaries. SSDI and SSI come from two separate parts of the federal budget, which is the reason for the sometimes confusing two checks.
Hi I currently live in Portland Oregon and have lived here for quite some time get Social Security at the amount of $649 and for SSI I get $104 how much if any does it increase or decrease for me if I move to Panama City Florida thank you for your help
Florida does not have a state supplement for SSI (except a small one for people who live in assisted living or adult care homes). Therefore in Florida SSI recipients get only the federal maximum of $733 per month, or in the case of someone receiving Social Security disability, the amount necessary to bring them up to $733 per month.
hi i am 60yrs old now i went on ssdi at 56 due to heart and lungs. and chf. and blood clots. 2 heart attacks and 3way bypass. ive been on medicare for 4 yrs. i have been paying 104.00 a month out of my check. i recieve 2094. per month in mt bank from ssdi. now in 2017 what will change money wise for me. plus i have brain damage from surgerys. memory and thinking issuses. and i live in the bay area not cheap at all . i lost all monies due to medical bills, i have nothing but 2094. a month very hard to pay rent and live on this amount and how can i get any more money. pls i need help. very stess out when younger i had it all now nothing. due to medical i loss 3 rental home everything. p.s. most of this happen in 2007 2008 wallstreet screwed me to. thank-you
Unfortunately, if there is a cost-of-living adjustment for 2017, it is likely to be small, so Social Security benefits will probably not increase by much. (We won’t know for sure until later in October.)
One thing we all need to do is organize to put pressure on our elected representatives to expand Social Security benefits. Groups like Social Security Works and the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare are doing this work and need our help.
On an individual level, one benefit that is often overlooked is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program (food stamps). Households that have an elderly or disabled member can usually deduct certain expenses and use their net income to qualify.
I receive concurrent benefits.. my SSDI is 498 a month. I was approved disability with an onset date of 1/1/2016. I never received anything from SSA or ssi until may (2199.00). The amount SSI have me until I got SSDI was625.50. am I due another back pay from SSI and if so since I received the first check in may when would I be getting the second one? I hope this makes sense. Thank you for your help! It’s all very confusing still and Leesburg SSI is not very helpful!
When your SSI back pay is more than three times the maximum federal benefit rate ($733 x 3 = $2,199), then Social Security will pay in not more than three installments, spaced 6 months apart. The first and second installments cannot be for more than $2,199, and the third installment is for the remainder. Installments apply only to SSI, not SSDI. However, SSI is often processed faster than SSDI for concurrent beneficiaries, so you may have gotten your SSI back pay and your SSDI back pay is still being calculated. This Social Security webpage has more information.
myself & my husband receive ssdi.. my father passed last year & I just found out he left me a inheritance..How much can I keep from it or how will this affect my ssdi? Will it hurt my husband’s money? Is there a limit for this ?
If you are receiving SSDI, not SSI, then receiving an inheritance will have no effect on your benefits.
If a husband under 62 becomes permenantly disabled due to severe medical issues and receives SSDI does his wife, who is also under 62 and his designated caregiver, receive a portion of his SSDI as well?
Not until the wife reaches age 62. At that point she could receive spousal benefits.
My Brother lives with me and my husband he is 50 and just started to receive his SSDI he has severe mental illness, and has to wait 2 yrs for medicare, and now medicaid says he has to pay for his first 1377.00 before they will cover him. Is there a waiver for medicare or medicaid I can apply for in his behalf?. Hes on alot of psychotic medicines. Judge order that he had to have a payee which is me. Thank you so much
Can I ask the Judge who awarded my brother his SSDI if he could do an Addendum to the awarded SSDI to add Medicare benefits also to start immediately without the 2 year waiting period ? I spoke with SSA at the office and said that the Judge could do this ?
Thank you
The only exceptions to the two year waiting period that I am aware of are for people with end-stage renal disease with kidney failure or people with ALS. During the waiting period, the other options are trying to qualify for Medicaid, purchasing private health insurance, or making use of any state or local programs available.
Why did you stop my adult disabled daughter’s food stamps or Suncap? (Florida) just because she moved in with her mother. Who lives in Panama City, Florida too. She is 47 years, old mentally challenged, 100 percent disabled, receives Medicaid and Medicare.
She has very little income a little over $700, a month She still has to eat and I am 100 percent disabled, on a limited income and having to buy her food now . It’s just not fair. Help please!!!
I am sorry for the difficulty you are having. Please note that this is the website of an attorney in private practice, so I have nothing to do with starting or stopping anyone’s food stamps. You may wish to direct your inquiry to the Florida Department of Children and Families.
I am having trouble with Leesburg SSI again and need legal advice.
I was found disabled in January 16. I was babysitting and being paid so I reported it when I had files for SSI.
I then stopped babysitting in April. Of course I reported that.
The man who handles my case told me to fax a hand written letter with that information and the date I stopped. I did.. months later nothing had changed so I went to the office and gave a letter. Each time I contacted them they told me that was all they needed. Still nothing changed! I have called several times getting and got told they had the paperwork but it wasn’t completed by the man who handles my case!
Yesterday the man called me.. told me he sees the paperwork is in my files then says .. ” you need to get the IRS to say you’re not working”.
I babysat them kids 4 months! I was told what to do and did it several times and now they tell me they want more. I am angry and wondering how I can get such a letter from the IRS and if I need to get a attorney? I feel like they are just not wanting to give me the money due to me. Please give me advice.
( I am receiving 498 SSD and 137.50 from SSI. )
Thank you so much!
As you are not my client and I don’t know your whole situation, I cannot give you legal advice, just general information. Dealing with the local Social Security offices can be frustrating. Try to keep records of everything, including who you talk to, and try to talk to the most helpful people there. Any decision made on your case should be in writing and the letter should state that you have the right to appeal the decision, which you should do if you do not agree with it.
I took your advice and called demanding to speak with a supervisor. The man who answered the phone was the one who works on my”case” . He was very snappy and rude until I let him know I was calling to question his performance and what he had previously told me. Suddenly he was able to readjust the amount and issue a back pay owed to me. Thanks so much! Your help and advice has helped me a great deal!
Glad I could help and glad you got what you were owed!
I haven’t worked in a few years, will this affect my eligibility? I stayed home to take care of my son, so my ex and I “paid into” the system and I now pay taxes on my alimony. Sorry if that is TMI.
Generally speaking, to be insured for the purposes of Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits, you must have earned 40 “credits” (quarters of coverage), 20 of which were earned in the past 10 years. More information is here.
I live in Illinois I’m 40 years old and 100% disabled I currently receive 767 a month after my medicare premiums are taken out and I am moving to Missouri what will be my monthly payment there and how much is my premiums going to be in that state for Medicare
If you receive SSDI benefits, they will be the same regardless of which state you live in. If you receive SSI benefits, the federal maximum is $733 ($735 in 2017). Some states add an optional state supplement to that and some do not. (Sorry, I am in Florida and I don’t know if there is a state supplement in Illinois or Missouri.)
Medicare premiums for Parts A and B are generally the same from state to state, but Medicare Advantage or Part D can vary.
Why is it that some people don’t even have to work and they get disability as much as the ones who have worked because I’m barely getting by on what I get a month which is the $733. Is there a way to find out if I’m able to get more than what I am getting because I can barely get by with food and bills and I’m on Section 8 to help with the bills.
It’s true that someone who has not worked enough recently is in the same situation as someone who has never worked: they are not insured under Social Security disability insurance (SSDI), and so only Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is available. The $733 per month ($735 in 2017) payment is the federal SSI maximum for an individual. Unfortunately, the only way to get more from Social Security disability is if one is eligible for SSDI.
Hey , I was received 733 monthly, I moved to Florida and they reduce my Ssi because I don’t show experience, I just come . What I need to do ?
Moving from one state to another should not affect your SSI eligibility, but you need to inform Social Security when you move. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to inform them of your new address and ask what else you need to do to receive your full benefits.
How come my husbands ssi awards letter online states that the benifit amount is 0 for december? Also, how much does a married couple get if only my husband is eligable and we have children?
Sorry this question was caught in the spam filter and I did not see it until now. For your first question, I could not say, as there are too many different reasons why that may happen. For your second question, if just your husband is eligible, then the maximum individual benefit is $735 per month.
I was granted Oregon SSDI Aug, 2016 my attorney then said I should apply for SSI.I was granted approx $650 from SSDI and $600 from SSI.Three months later they send me a notice that I will now receive only $730 a month total between the two? I feel screwed and,don’t know how I’m going to live on this small amount,I have paid into SS much of my life.
The SSI program has income limits, and it will only pay enough to bring you up to the $733 per month federal maximum ($735 in 2017). Your SSDI benefits count as income. I’m sorry that was not explained to you at the time. It can also be confusing because sometimes the SSI and SSDI programs take some time to catch up with each other, but ultimately SSI will not stack on top of your SSDI, but will only pay you enough to bring you up to the SSI amount.
I moved to an apartment and two of my children live with me now. My ssi is only$204 and my ssdi is 549. Are my children eligible for anything?
It’s possible. This Social Security webpage gives examples of when benefits may be available to children of someone receiving SSDI benefits.
Brendon
I’m hoping you could answer a few questions for me. I would appreciate it greatly.
I’m total disabled, I’m not able to drive. I had brain surgery 2 years ago. I have seizures.Every kind in medical history. I live by myself. My daughter has to take me to the doctor appointments, grocery store, drugstore, every where. She has 2 children & it’s hard for me and her as far as gas money and all the other things I have to have. Can she get anything for helping me. My rent is all my disability check but 53.00.I get EBT For food 163.00.If she’s not able to drive me my finance does,but he has to take off work without pay. They are the only one’s that I have to do these things for me. My finance and daughter fixes all my medication for me so I want forget to take them . Can either one of them receive a check for taking care of me.
We live in Alabama does anything like that exist. I have no idea. I was reading about your help with other people. I hope that you can answer this question for me.
Medicaid has a program called Cash & Counseling, available in some states, that allows for family members to be paid caregivers. Here is an article about the program. In Alabama, this is called the Personal Choices Program. It is apparently only available in some counties. There is more information here.
My now spouse received SSI in GA, we are same sex marriage, legal in our state. We are considering moving to FLa. I can Work but he can’t for medical reasons. Would that make any difference in FL state? Would his SSI would be taken just because I can work for a few more years?
The Supreme Court ruled in 2015 that all states must permit and recognize same-sex marriages, so there should be no difference between states.
There are income and resource limits for the SSI program, and when a person receiving SSI disability benefits lives with their spouse (opposite sex or same sex), some of the spouse’s income may be counted toward those limits.
Mr. Brendan Conley I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for helping all these people by answering their questions. I am a vocational disability examiner working for Disability Determination Services, and was curious when I stumbled upon this site.
Much gratitude, sir.
I appreciate that very much. And thank you for your important work as well!
hi Brendan! SOOOOO glad I found this site! my situation is this…my brother in law was receiving SSI $433 while living with his mom n she was considered supporting him…she passed away in Feb of 2014 n he moved in with me n my husband. he changed his address with SS but only changed his living ARRANGEMENTS with DCF for his Medicaid n food stamps…he’s been paying us for his staying here n uses his food stamps for MOST of what he wants..
today I found THIS about the one third rule..how do I go about correcting this with SSI n will they back pay? ALSO our concern is BECAUSE he only gets the tiny amount he does n we pretty much support him, my husband claimed him on our taxes..which I wouldn’t be SOOOOO concerned about IF we didn’t have $80k owed to the gov in CNC status n ALSO I claimed him to qualify(hopefully) for the “Extra Help”with my prescriptions.I’m on SSDI. WHERE do I start n is there gonna be PROBLEMS?
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
I can’t advise you on the tax issue, but the one-third reduction rule applies when someone receiving SSI receives both food and shelter from others living in the household. As long as the person pays their share (three people in the household means the person should pay one third of household expenses) and buys their own food with their food stamps, they should be able to receive the SSI maximum of $735 per month.
thanks..how do I go about getting this corrected with SS and will they back pay?
He can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and let them know that he needs to report different living arrangements. He may need to make an appointment to go into the local office and meet with a representative. I’m not sure if back pay would apply in this situation, but if his living situation changed some time ago, he can certainly let them know that and ask for his payments for previous months to be adjusted.
also, HOW can he be PAYING one third of expenses if he only gets $460?
Well, the idea is that if he was paying his share of expenses, then the one-third reduction rule would no longer apply and he would get $735 per month. Here is some more information about the one-third reduction rule.
Hello,
I moved here from Al due t health reasons. In Al. i received financial assistance to help pay for a care attendant. I am filling out paperwork now with the Florida Access program, for similar benefits. I had to medically retire and drawing SSDI.I also have annuity income from a settlement from my accident. So my question is a two part one.
1. Do I need to include my annuity payment as income with them? I know I didn’t in Al and don’t for tax purposes.
2. If so, how much income can I have and be eligible for care attendant type of assistance? Is there a site that discusses this?
thank very much for your assistance on this matter.
I’m not 100% sure which benefits you are applying for, but most benefits available through Access Florida have income and resource limits. Generally speaking, you usually have to report everything, and then some income and resources are not counted for various reasons.
moving from ca to indiana cant find anywhere what my SSI payments would change to…im getting 895 in ca right now but like said dont know how much that will change and for the better or worse…may just stay in ca. thanks
The federal benefit rate is $735 for an eligible individual, so that is the federal SSI maximum. Some states have an optional state supplement, and in California the supplement is administered by Social Security, so that is why you may receive more than the federal maximum. According to this Social Security page, Indiana only makes a state supplement available to people who reside in a “room and board facility” or a Medicare-certified facility.
If my social security is in Texas, can I request a benefit letter in Florida
The easiest way to get a copy of your benefit verification letter is to log in to or create a MySocialSecurity account, which you can do from anywhere.
I receive ssdi and Medicare in Rochester Ny. Will my benefits change if I move to Florida ?
Since they are both federal benefits, nothing should change. If you get any supplemental benefits from the state of New York, there may not be an equivalent in Florida.
I live in Massachusetts and I want to move to Orlando Florida because of medical reasons and I receive ssi boy my 17 year old is going with me and want go to College will they help me with this.
Since SSI is a federal program, you should still be able to receive benefits in Florida as long as you continue to qualify for the program. Keep in mind that Florida does not have a general state supplement to SSI the way Massachusetts does, so only the federal maximum of $735 is generally available.
Currently I’m married my husband receives SSI and I receive SSI and SSDI going from California to Florida how can our benefits change?
There should be no difference for the SSDI. The big difference is that Florida does not have a general state supplement to SSI the way California does, so any amount you receive above the federal SSI amount would not be available in Florida. The federal maximum benefit for an eligible couple is $1,103 per month in 2017.
A close friend currently lives in an SRO in a very dangerous neighborhood in another state. He is 58 yrs old and has not worked for over 20 due to a mental disability that makes it difficult for him to leave his room let alone hold a job.
After 5 years of waiting, he has just this month received approval for SSI based on his disability. His PERC meeting is next month.
I’ve been aware for a couple of years that he was awaiting a disability/SSI determination. A while ago I suggested he live with me in Florida when he gets his SSI and would then be able to pay some of the rent and additional expenses.
Now that he has gotten his approval letter, we would like to implement the FL living arrangement after the PERC is completed. I want to be sure to do it the right way so that we establish that he will be paying rent and his SSI benefits wont be subject to one third reduction rule. We will enter into a written agreement about his payment of a portion of the rent/food/utilities, but it won’t be one-half since even with his SSI he couldn’t afford that (I was thinking the amount should be one third of his SSI monthly benefit).
Questions:
1 At the PERC, should he inform SS of an anticipated change in his future living arrangement? Or just do a change of address and change of living arrangement when it actually happens?
2 Is it appropriate to state in the agreement between us that it is conditioned on his receiving SSI benefits in order to pay his agreed share of rent & expenses? (In fact, we couldn’t do this living arrangement unless he did get his full SSI benefits. I would love to be in the position to pay for everything, but I am not financially able; I work just a little and my parents assist in paying my rent))
3. When should he give a copy of our agreement to SA – at the PERC or when he actually moves in?
4 Any other suggestions you may offer on how we should proceed during this time and what our agreement should/should NOT say, would be most appreciated.
This is a complicated subject, and I can only offer general information, not advice about your specific situation. There may be details I’m not aware of that make a difference.
With that said, it sounds like you’re on the right track. You’re a step ahead of most beneficiaries just by being aware of the one-third reduction rule. As I said, it’s complex. Here is a table of contents of Social Security’s regulations they follow in this area. Pay particular attention to the page on Sharing, which states that in order to avoid the one-third reduction rule, the beneficiary must pay at least their pro rata share of household expenses (so for two people in the household the beneficiary must pay one half). Otherwise the one-third reduction rule kicks in, and according to this page, when the one-third rule applies, it applies in full or not at all.
To address your specific questions:
1. I see no obligation to inform Social Security of possible future living arrangements. However, he may want to use the PERC to ask hypothetical questions: “What if I moved in with a friend? What rules would I have to follow?” Some Social Security employees are more helpful than others.
2. On this issue, I would draw your attention to this page. It discusses a loan of in-kind support and maintenance (if someone is living with a friend while they wait for SSI and then will repay the value of the food and shelter they received when they get their back pay), which I know is not the situation you are in, but in that situation there is a requirement that the repayment not be conditioned on the person receiving SSI. Since in that situation Social Security does not like for the loan agreement to be conditional, I would not make an ongoing agreement conditional either.
3. I would plan to submit it close to the time he is going to move in.
4. Read up on those links, and don’t be afraid to ask Social Security lots of questions. Just take the attitude that you want to follow all the rules and be up front about everything.
Hello. I will be moving back to Florida from AZ. I am in the process of waiting for a decision on SSDI. I am also going to apply for SSI benefits. I will be 62 in a few months.I was married for over 30 yrs. Divorced for 16. I understand I can apply for my ex spouses benefits as well. So how does all of this work? I am quite confused by this. I worked for a short time throughout my marriage. And my ex is still working. Is there a set amount? Does SSDI supercede my SSI ? Thank You
You can apply for both divorced spouse’s benefits on your ex-spouse’s record, and Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits on your own record. If you are eligible for both, then Social Security will pay the higher amount, not both. For both these types of benefits, the payment amount depends on how much the wage-earner paid into the system in taxes.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is available for low-income disabled people who either have not paid enough into the system to be eligible for SSDI, or their SSDI amount is low enough that they also qualify for SSI. The monthly SSI maximum payment for an eligible individual is $735, so if your other benefits are higher than that, you would not qualify for SSI.
Thank you very much for your detailed response and the links, of course.
You’re welcome!
Hello, was approved for SSI. Went to local office and did questions. For the retro or back pay period, I was mostly homeless, not also lived at times with a revolving cast of acquaintances. I bought and made food by myself via Food Stamps. Told the local SS office this.
Get determination, she has me living in household of another for the entire 2 years of back pay! I didn’t. Also I bought and made my own food. So she basically filled it all out as if she works on commission and to steal my back pay I should have receives all along. This takes my monthly from $750 to $490 for 2 years, robbing me.
Can I call a number at SS? This was my local office who did this, so not much help at all and this employee lied. Thank you.
The letter you received telling you the benefit amount should have instructions about how to appeal. You have the right to appeal any decision Social Security makes. When you request reconsideration, a different person will take another look at the same facts and may make a different decision.
Hi, my aunt who has ssi (due to her having downs syndrom) and lives with me, got a letter stating she got approved for Suncap the moment i went to the SS office to transfer her from NY to FL. That was 5 yrs ago and now i got a letter that i need to renew her benefit. It asks if she pays more than 241 a mo for rent. My question is, this past yr i had to resign my job to take 24/7 care of her so yes its been more than 241 but im concered if i state that she will loose on her ssi benefit or they will remove her suncap all together. Getting benefits/services for her in FL has been so challenging!
I’m not sure why they would be asking you about that rent amount specifically. In any case, you are required to report her financial situation honestly. Whenever you talk to a representative, you should feel free to ask questions about how changes in her financial situation could affect her benefit. And, anytime a change is made, you have the right to appeal it.
I’ve done a bit more research. Rather than have my friend share expenses it seems that charging him a flat fee for room and board in accordance with POMS SI 835.120 might be a better way to go. I understand it is often used successfully by parents for their adult disabled children who live with them. I do understand that the fee he would pay me will be income to me for tax purposes. I wouldn’t think the fact that my disabled friend is not my disable child should change the outcome, but I’m not sure. Have you seen this work/not work ? (by work I mean my friend not having his SSI benefits reduced for ISM or VTR or other alphabet soup).
That may be a good alternative. You may have to show that whatever you are charging is market rate to avoid him getting dinged for in-kind support and maintenance (ISM) under the presumed maximum value (PMV) rule.
hi, im still waiting for a second trial with the judge from ssdi, if i get aproved, since I was making 6 figures and worked for more than 31 year, can also take money from my roth ira as a 72 ct, and how much should i ask for. i hear people saying ssdi will let me have no more than 80% total , if i get sddi benefits plus a sum from roth ira , i will need aroud 65% of my wage before i quit work due to a closure and a illness. any advise will be appreciated.
If you are found disabled, your SSDI benefit amount is calculated based on how much you paid into the system through Social Security taxes taken out of your paycheck. You can find out how much your monthly benefit would be by creating or logging into a My Social Security account. Taking distributions from a Roth IRA should not affect your benefit amount. The 80% figure only applies if you receive other public benefits such as workers’ compensation or other government disability benefits. If you receive workers’ compensation or other public disability benefits, and Social Security disability benefits, the total amount of these benefits can’t exceed 80 percent of your average current earnings before you became disabled. More info here.
Hi, i got a letter for my 2 yr old daughter about her claim saying the ssa got medical allowance for her. Does this mean she is basically approved? But more paper work
That sounds like she has been found medically disabled. The other part of qualifying for SSI is showing that you meet the income and asset limits, so Social Security will make an appointment with you to go over your financial details.
I currently live in Florida. A few professionals are suggesting we apply for SSI for our 3 year old daughter. I cant figure out if we would qualify due to our monthly income. We are married with one income and have another child who wouldn’t have the SSI benefit. Can you help me with the income guideline, and a broad way to determine if we would be eligible. I have been reading for hours and I am very confused. Thank you!
It is a bit complicated. If you think there’s a chance you may be eligible, I recommend applying and letting Social Security apply the formula to your circumstances. To get a rough idea, first check these pages on income and resource limits. Then take a look at this page on SSI for children and scroll down to the Deeming Eligibility Chart. There are lots of different factors and exceptions that may or may not apply in your case, but for a rough idea, the chart says that for a two-parent household with one other non-SSI-eligible child, the monthly limit on earned income would be $4,169.
How many bank statements does SSA review in an SSI redetermination?
Often they will ask to see three years’ worth of statements.
We live in Ala My husband is has been disable for a while now He gets A check on the 1st and one on the 3rd.I have been approved and am waiting on things to get processed. Will I draw the same amount as my husband or will it be less. we are the only two in the house and his checks is our only income
From that payment schedule, it sounds like your husband gets both Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. For SSDI, benefit amounts are based on the amount the person paid into the system through taxes taken out of their paycheck, so it is different for each person. For SSI, the maximum federal benefit amount in 2017 is $735 for an eligible individual or $1,103 for a married couple with both spouses eligible.
Hi.. I was approved for both ssdi and ssi. Can u plz tell me if this will affect my backpay amount? Meaning wouldnt I get more backpay if i were only approved for one? They hold each one against each other so wont it cause me to lose money? Also, when u are approved for both ssdi and ssi can your child then be able to draw off your ssdi? I know its not possible for ssi alone.. But if i get both ssdi and ssi then is it possible? Thank you
Generally speaking, someone may be eligible for both SSDI and SSI when their SSDI payment is less than $735 per month, so the SSI amount would bring them up to $735 per month. It doesn’t really cause you to lose money though. It’s just that $735 per month is the maximum SSI amount, so if you have other income (such as from SSDI), then SSI will pay less, but it still brings you up to the same total.
To address your other question, it may be possible for a child to receive auxiliary or dependents benefits based just on the parent’s SSDI benefits, but such benefits could also affect the parent’s SSI benefit amount.
Can I collect SSDI if I had a c section and cannot go back to my previous job due to the inability to perform the tasks necessary
SSDI is only available if a condition prevents you from working and is expected to last for one year or more.
I had asked how many bank statements SSA reviewed in an SSI redetermination. Thank you for your prompt reply. I often go to a clinic run by the Dept. of Mental Health and I was able to share the information with several people up for redeterminations. Is it unusual that they were only asked for three months of bank statements? I told them they better bring three years as you said.
They only need to provide what Social Security asks them to provide. They can ask for up to three years worth, but they may ask for less than that.
I was recently approved for $1,209 monthly for OK SSDI. They still want me to come in to see if they can also pay me SSI. Can I receive it also?
Normally SSI would only be available for someone whose income (including SSDI benefits) is less than $735 per month for an unmarried person. What may be happening is the SSDI payment will take a while but they can give you the SSI immediately in the meantime. Then when the SSDI comes in, the SSI will stop.
I have a question,
I recently moved from New Jersey to Florida, my daughter who is 10 is receiving ssi there of $764 When I made the change at the office the manager said she’s only going to revive 735. Then she asked me for my lease To update records and said that the rent is higher of 1200 and who was paying the rest. I told her I just moved in this month and my mother helped with the rest only for this month and that the other smaller children tht I have receive child support. All together I have 4 children including the one with disability. I only receive 500 for two of my children. She quickly said that’s income and that the ssi benefit will go down in about 60 days. I haven’t been able to work for over 10 years taking care of my daughter who’s disable and obviously with the growing of the family I need a house with more room than vs an apartment with 2 bedrooms, considering there are boys and girls.
My question is how is this possible that their child support be considered income and the fact that my mother helped me initially to get the house be considered income and will drop her ssi payment?
As it already did considering that Florida doesn’t pay the additional supplement that New Jersey and other states do. Could you please advice me?
Unfortunately, it sounds like Social Security is correct on both counts. Florida does not have a general state supplement the way some other states do, so the maximum SSI benefit available is $735 per month. And both child support and gifts of cash or rent paid by family members count as income for SSI purposes, so those types of income will reduce your benefit. There is more information available here.
One benefit that is often overlooked is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps). The value of food stamps does not count as income for SSI purposes.
I am 60 have ra bad for 7 years still work but am having trouble with my employer I have a brokerage account for retirement I am treated by a homeopathic doctor and medicine would I still qualify and do I need an attorney? Rob
One of the requirements for being found disabled by Social Security is that you are not engaging in “substantial gainful activity” (work) above a certain limit ($1,170 per month in 2017). So if you are working and making more money than that per month, you would not be considered disabled. As for proving the medical disability, Social Security would give the most weight to evidence provided by a licensed M.D. As for the brokerage retirement account, for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, your other retirement account would not matter. You can have other income and resources and still get your SSDI benefit. As for an attorney, you are not required to have one, but an attorney can help you with the process and you may have a better chance of being awarded benefits.
I am planning on moving to Florida. I am on disability. If I move in with my girlfriend does her income affect my disability payment. Would it be better to move in with someone I don’t know and pay half my rent untill I get married.
I am assuming you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, since income does not matter for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. So with regard to SSI, your girlfriend’s income would not be deemed to be your income unless you were married. However, you will have to show Social Security that you pay your share of the household expenses. Otherwise, Social Security may say that you are receiving “in-kind support and maintenance” in the form of food and shelter, and reduce your benefits by one-third.
Hi mr conley. I was approved for ssi and will receive my 1st check on June 1st. It will only be for $490 because they are holding my son’s dad against me for inkind support because he was paying the bills. But in 2014 he made me sign a bona fide loan agreement saying as soon as I have any income, I will repay him for my share of shelter costs. We are not romantically involved. His name is on the lease and he stays here on weekends to be with our son, but his room is the 3rd bedroom. When I had my perk interview for ssi, I told the lady about the loan agreement. Ssa rules say if u have a bona fide loan agreement and u must repay the support, it wont be held against u with inkind support your benefits will not be reduced. I asked this lady on the phone if she wants me to mail her the loan agreement &she was very short with me and said “No, I dont need it. Whatever agreement the 2 of you have is between you &has nothing to do with me. If u choose to repay him out of your benefits that’s up to u &between yall”. I was very thrown off by her attitude. So my lawyer said fax the agreement along with a cover sheet explaining my situation to the office supervisor. I did. It was ignored. So 2 wks ago when I got $2,205 in my 1st backpay installment, I repaid $1,200 to my son’s dad and I paid my share of May’s rent to my landlord. I then took both my receipts, along with the loan agreement once again, to the ssa office to show proof I am paying my fair share now and proving I repaid towards some of the inkind support I received in the past from my son’s dad. The lady helping me at the window was very sympathetic and said I def have proven I am now paying my fair share of the rent, and that my monthly benefit should be increased. That hopefully my backpay would also be adjusted. That I would get a letter in the mail. I got that letter today. And to my surprise, it said my check will remain at $490. I dont understand this. I proved I am paying my rent. And I also proved I do indeed have to repay the past inkind support. Why are they ignoring my proof and still holding inkind support against me? I do not have any other kind of income, I do not own anything, I do not receive any help from anyone. When my 1st check of $490 comes june 1st, after I pay my share of the bills I wont have anything left to survive off of because they are still holding inkind support against me, tho I am not getting any. They are ignoring my situation and do not care about me as a human. They just to give me the least amount of money as possible. They’re breaking their own rules by not acknowledging my rent receipts or my legit loan agreement. How can they do this to me sir? Is there not anything I can do? What would your advice be? Thanks so much
I am in NC
I’m sorry your question got caught in my spam filter and I did not see it until now. You may want to check SSA’s requirements for loans of in-kind support and maintenance here. Also if you are represented by an attorney in this matter, your attorney can provide the best advice for your situation. You have the right to appeal any decision made by Social Security. It often happens that SSA staff get the rules wrong and you have to appeal to get them to process things correctly.
If someone is approved for disability through work. And has a court ordered alimony from his job weekly, does the alimony continue to be paid from disability???
I recommend consulting with a family law attorney in your area, who would be better equipped to answer your question. Best of luck.
My SSDI claim, which I originally filed in 1999, was finally approved last February as a result of an administrative appeal hearing conducted the previous month (I represented myself). The ‘partially favorable’ decision notice I received set 4/2002 as the onset date. I chose not to appeal the decision.
When should I expect to receive the ‘award letter’? I’m 65-year-old who’s been receiving the minimal monthly SSA benefit payment allowed me since I turned 62-years of age.
Congratulations on winning your case. If you have the partially favorable decision in writing, then Social Security is supposed to send out the award letter soon and get you paid within 60 days. You can call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for the status. If it goes beyond 60 days from the date of the written decision, then you can call again and notify them that they are past their own deadline. If you get a helpful representative on the helpline, you can ask them to send a message through their internal system to the payment center asking about the delay, which may help move things along faster.
If im getting both ssi and ssdi in Tennessee, how much will i be getting if i move To Florida, would they combine it together like they do in Tennessee
Yes, the combination of SSDI and SSI applies regardless of what state you are in, and the amount provided by the federal government would not change. Florida does not have a general state supplement to SSI, so the the federal SSI maximum of $735 per month applies. I don’t know if Tennessee has a state supplement, but if so, that would not be available in Florida.
I was diagnosed with Lupus SLE late last year, my Doctors say that my medical history and symptoms indicate I have probably had it since my teens. Been married almost 20 yrs- I worked until I got pregnant with our 1st child in 2000 and was deemed high risk-no more work early on, she was born 8 weeks premature and I stayed at home as her caretaker. I had another premature baby 2 1/2 yrs later who has been chronically ill all of his life with immune system issues (a Lupus diagnosis is probably coming for him too). I have never been able to work regularly since- my Doctors say the Lupus probably caused the premature births and immune issues our kids have and I definitely could not have been in the normal workforce all these years-I tried a couple times for short periods but couldn’t do it- physical aches and mentally I have a very difficult time remembering things and keeping things straight- I’m in an insomnia fog most of the time. My husband built a business with my help and has been self-employed only for the 2nd year in a row, but I have gotten worse, both physically and mentally, and he cannot maintain it without more help from me. My question is, since I haven’t worked for so long, It seems I do not qualify to apply for SSDI, only SSI- but can I claim that my disability began way back when I still had “coverage” through SSDI? My medical records showed the symptoms then, just not a formal diagnosis.
Thankyou for any help or advice in advance- I want to tell you, the answers you have given to others in this thread are very helpful and informative and I appreciate what I have learned even if you can’t answer my questions.
It’s possible, but difficult. Yes, you can claim an “alleged onset date” (AOD) of your disability that is before your “date last insured” (DLI), and if Social Security found that your disability began when you were still insured under SSDI, then you could get SSDI benefits. (You can only get retroactive benefits for 12 months before your application date though.) However, the big problem would be proving that you were disabled as of that date, which has to be based on medical evidence. Hospitals may not still have your records from that far back, and even if they do, as you say, there was no formal diagnosis, so it would be a long shot. However, if your family qualifies financially for SSI, then you could apply for SSI based on your own disability, and on your children’s immune conditions, if they cause marked functional limitations.
My son has been receiving SSDI (autism) since he was about 8 – he is turning 18 in August. What happens then? Do we have to make an appointment with the SSI office or will it automatically convert to the $735 a month since it no longer goes off my income. What about child support? Will that count as his income or mine?
I’m not quite sure what the situation is here. When a child receives benefits based on the child’s disability, that is SSI, not SSDI. Children can also receive dependent’s benefits if their parent is receiving SSDI or Social Security retirement benefits. At any rate, once he turns 18, he would have to be found disabled under the adult definition of disability. Then he could qualify for adult SSI or disabled adult child benefits. So you should contact Social Security to apply for those benefits. As for child support, it typically ends at age 18, so there would be no income to consider. If you have special circumstances where child support is going to continue after age 18, then it will depend on the circumstances.
Hello Brendan , I am a new usa citizen and tried to get my American wife to move to my country.
I am just 70 years old and spent any extra cash I had to finance my citizenship application and share the lease rental.
I gave up my accommodation in the UK, now my wife says she will not want me to claim any assistance through her SS which at this time leaves me financially strapped.
So if I claim SSI in Florida will I just receive $735.00 or is there any other help available.
Thank you.
The monthly federal benefit amount for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is $735 per month, and the state of Florida does not add anything to that. However, if you are eligible for spousal benefits based on your spouse’s record, you may want to inform your spouse that you claiming spousal benefits will not affect or reduce their benefits.
I need to move to Florida,My wife and I Have SS Disabbility Benefits now we live in Puerto Rico and dont have SSI Benefits, If we move to FL. We can receive SSI Benefits , and how much approx. My Benefits 1185 , Wife 1089, and a child of 13 years
SSI benefits are only available for people with income lower than the SSI amount ($735 per month for an eligible individual or $1,103 for an eligible couple), and then it only pays enough to bring you up to the SSI amount. So if you are already receiving more than $735 for an individual, or more than $1,103 total as a couple, then you would not be eligible for SSI. So you would just continue to receive your same SSDI amount.
im disabled and receive ssi in georgia for the full amount now my retirement benefits will take effect in september and ill get the first payment of $443.00. in october. the lady that filled out the form told me that my ssi wont be effected but, i understand my ssi payments will drop so that both payments together would add up to $735.00. tha same as im receiving now. i hope my ssi isnt cut out completely and i just receive the $443.00. i wont be able to live on that.
In this situation, the SSI payment is reduced so that you continue to receive $735 per month total between both programs.
I am planning to move to south Florida as soon as I find housing, but I was just told that it may be very difficult on my SSI benefits alone. I am wondering if it is possible to live there on my SSI disability benefits alone and if anyone else ever has? I was also told that my ebt benefits would drop significantly. I am currently in MO, but want to move because ice and snow are dangerous to my disability. Thank you in advance for your answer. Ann
Bottom line… Can I live on $735 a month in south Florida with a car that I will only have to pay monthly insurance on, because I will be paying cash for that? Sorry, I meant to ask that in my previous post. Also, has anyone on this forum successfully lived there on $735 per month with ebt benefits and Medicaid? If so, how? Thanks in advance for your answers.
It’s hard to live on $735 per month anywhere in the country. SSI benefits need to be increased! As for your question, I would recommend checking out the rents on sites like craigslist.org where apartments, mobile homes and roommate situations are advertised.
Hello my son just got approved from 2015 for ssi but i work but 2015 i gross like 600 a mont h 800 a month for 2016 i gross 12000 a month and my rent is 257 will my daughter get the full benefits thank you
I don’t know all the details of your situation, and Social Security uses a fairly complex formula to determine how income affects SSI benefits. You can check this page on SSI and this page on deeming for more information.
Good morning I receive Social Security benefits for my twins and I’m planning on moving to Florida from New Jersey would I still be able to collect it for them..
Yes, since Social Security is a federal program, the benefits are available regardless of the state you live in. However, if New Jersey makes any optional state supplement available to SSI beneficiaries, that would not be available in Florida, because Florida does not offer a general state supplement. This document lists New Jersey’s combined federal and state monthly SSI amount for an individual as $766.25. In Florida, it would only be the federal maximum, which is $735 per month.
Why dont Flordia have the state supplement of 83.78 with there ssi amount.
It is simply a political decision. It is unlikely to change while Republicans control the state legislature and the governor’s office.
I currently work a full – time job and receive FMLA benefits. I wanted to work up until I was approved for disability if I can keep my job (I’m almost out of fmla time). Can you work until you get approved? Or is it better to not be working when you apply? And if you can work what would be the date that you became disabled?
If you are engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA), then Social Security considers you not disabled. The general rule for substantial gainful activity is if you are working and earning more than a certain amount per month ($1,170 in 2017) before taxes. If you are working below that level, you may still be found disabled, but the fact that you are doing some work may be a factor in the determination. If you are working above that level, then you won’t be found disabled. If you do work at or above the SGA level while waiting for a hearing, a judge could deny you based on that or could approve you but decide that you did not become disabled until after you stopped working at the SGA level.
My mother is 61 is on full disability from late on set ptsd. She gets 1850 a month still lives on her own pays her own bills rent and high med cost no insurance. Would she qualify for snap she lives in Illinois. Thanks for the info.
It’s possible. Assuming she lives alone, $1850 would normally be above the gross income limit, but households with an elderly (age 60+) member may only have to meet the net income test, and medical expenses can be deducted. Here are the specific rules for Illinois, and a link to apply.
Thank you for the info I didn’t realize you were in Florida until I sent my question the information you provided is very helpful
I’ve had anxiety and depression, and been on medicine for the anxiety since 2012 until this day. This year in January, I see they passed anxiety as a mental condition. If I were to get approved would they pay me for all these past years with the condition? I also have a baby who is under a year old, I am not married, nor have I ever been. Just some info maybe you could advise me on.
To be found disabled based on anxiety, the diagnosis and prescription of medication is not enough. There also has to be medical evidence that your condition causes you serious limitations and prevents you from working. You may want to take a look at the SSA Listing for Anxiety. You may need a doctor willing to give their opinion about your limitations. You may want to seek help from a Social Security disability attorney in your area, which you can find by calling the NOSSCR referral line at 1-800-431-2804. To answer your specific question, no, you would not get retroactive pay back to 2012, because retroactive payments are only possible for up to 12 months before the application date.
My boyfriend’s mom recently bought a condo apartment, and she intended to rent it to his sister and her husband, who she thought was moving back to MA. Their plan fell through, and since we were actually looking to move in together (his lease on his current apartment is up next month) she said she’ll rent it to us.
He works(doesn’t receive any type of benefits) and I receive SSI ($735, and the $30.40 state payment. Also get SNAP benefits). His mom, being the owner, is obviously responsible for the HOA fees, so she said the only thing we would owe monthly is rent.
She’d be charging us under the same agreement she was going to have with his sister: It’s a 2 bedroom, all utilities included, no security deposit/fees required to move in, rent would be $1,325 per month. Splitting the rent means $663 for each of us, which I can feasibly do.
Then I’m told today by a friend that supposedly Social Security will lower my benefit amount when I get the lease and go show it to them, for this reason:If your rent is lower than fair market value, you’re considered to be getting in-kind support. In the town we’d be moving to, there’s a website that says “in 2017, fair market value for a 2 bedroom is $1,691”.
Is it true that SSI will lower my benefit amount? When I spoke to a rep recently, I was told as long as a person pays their share of expenses, nothing should happen. I’d be paying my share, and noone is will be giving me money or paying for anything. Does someone else actually get to dictate to another person who purchased(my boyfriend’s mom) their own property how much they can charge for a monthly rent? She could’ve decided to charge under a $1000 and been of the mindset “well, I’m renting to my kid”, but I think $1,325 isn’t so bad compared to $1,691.
Can you please give me your opinion on what Social Security might do, if anything?
Thank you
Your friend is correct to identify this as a potential issue. When an SSI beneficiary gets a rent subsidy due to a family connection, Social Security may reduce your monthly benefit. The exact procedure they will follow is on this Social Security webpage. I would recommend you study that and decide on your approach. If they ask you if “someone in the household is related as a parent or child to the landlord or landlord’s spouse,” you would have to answer truthfully yes. Note on that webpage that at Step 3 they ask the landlord what the required rent is, and in Step 5, their first source for determining the current fair market value is to ask the landlord. So if your boyfriend’s mom reports that she is charging $1,325 because that is what she thinks the fair market value is, then Social Security is supposed to “accept whatever estimate the landlord gives you and document the file.” Only if the landlord is unable or unwilling to provide that information are they supposed to go to other sources. As you can see on that webpage, if by following these procedures, they determine that the required rent is less than fair market value, then that is a rent subsidy, half of which goes to you. Any in-kind support in your situation means the presumed maximum value rule would apply: Social Security would presume that your benefits should be reduced by one-third, and you would have to show that the in-kind support was actually less than that.
If I receive disability and I also earned $6000 from working do i have to pay taxes?
If your disability benefits are Supplemental Security Income (SSI), those benefits are never taxed. If your disability benefits are Social Security disability insurance (SSDI), then you will get a 1099 from Social Security in January, which you can use to file your tax return. Typically you would only have to pay taxes on up to 50 percent of your Social Security benefits if your combined income is more than $25,000 for single filers. As for your other income, you would have to pay whatever you owe according to IRS rules.
As a homeowner renting to tenants can I verify their ssdi amount?
Social Security will not give you that information about them, so you would just have to ask your tenants to show you some verification of their payment.
Am 71, living in So Calif. I rcv $687 mo.SSA, and also rcv $227 SSI because CAlif deems the $687 too low to live on.
Because my total 914 mo. income is so low for Calif cost of living, CA designates me as a QB (“quimbee”, an acronym for Qualified Beneficiary).
Of course for my age, Medicare is my primary insurance, but then because I am a QB, Calif also offers at no cost a few secondary health insurance plans to choose from. I pay no premiums or deductibles. Occasionally there’s a charge that neither Medicare or my secondary doesn’t pay, but that’s typically rare and workable with payment plans.
Example, my annual out of pocket all this year were two small charges through a UCLA state-of-the art Glaucoma eye exam (was $75) at world class Jules Stein Eye Institute (the balance of the $225 eye exam there was covered 100%), and an additional UCLA cost for atypical, benign skin-thingie removal was $26).
Additionally, the QB designation pays my $105-$110 Medicare mo. premiums, as well as the annual $267 Medicare Deductible. Drug costs are minimal and rarely higher than $1.20. I do not qualify foodstamps.
However there are foodbanks (though typical bad food: i.e., white flour products, canned, overcooked vegetables, and other food products loaded with sugar and poor quality oils). But depending on where one lives, some (not LA) foodbanks give frozen animal meats (beef, fish, chicken), fresh dairy, eggs, milk, yogurt and great produce. In LA one can apply to Farmers Markets for a book of $20 coupons per page up to about $100 to spend only at Farmers Mkts per season.
What would my SSI in Ft Myers Florida be? Would I have a QB designation there? Would I have my Medicare premiums paid? Medicare deductible paid? Drug costs? Would I qualify for Foodstams in FLA with these Florida benefits? What other benefits might I receive? Who might I call for more info. Thank you.
Florida does not pay an optional state supplement to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) like California does, except for people residing in certain institutions, so you would only receive enough SSI to bring you up to the federal maximum, $735 per month in 2017. I am not an expert on the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program, but here is a link to a brochure about the program in Florida. I do believe you would be eligible for food assistance, and there is more information about that program here.
I was approved for SSI and during my final interview, they said my monthly payment would only be $490.00. I live in Florida and own nothing. I live with my parents but they will be expecting rent when I start getting my check. I am 55 years old. No back accounts, no car, no life insurance, etc, etc.
why will my monthly money only be $490.00 a month and not the $733.00 minimum for a individual?
Social Security is applying the one-third reduction rule, reducing your benefit by one-third because they believe you are receiving a gift of rent and/or food from your parents. You can fix this going forward by showing them a written agreement that shows either a rental agreement where your room functions as a separate household, or a sharing agreement where you pay at least your proportional share of all household expenses. So if there were three people living in the household, you would have to pay at least one-third of all household expenses.
I I have been receiving SSI and SSDI since 2006. I’ve been told by many people that I can receive checks for my son since I receive SSDI. However when I asked SSA they say no. I currently live next door to a woman who receives $500 in SSDI and another $260 and SSI she has two children and they get checks for $250 each. I’m wondering why I keep being told no by SSA about getting checks for my son from my SSDI I’ve been told by them that they’re using all the money on me already so they can’t give him a check. But that doesn’t make any sense because this female gets like the same Chuck as I do just about. I received $445 and SSDI and $310 in SSI. If she’s only receiving $65 more than me and SSDI I do not understand why my son can’t receive the check for my SSDI as with two children do. That knows the answer please let me know, thank you so much.
It is true that children’s benefits may be available when a parent is receiving SSDI, subject to the family maximum. The SSI program has income and asset limits, so that may be a factor. I would suggest filing an application for children’s benefits, so if they deny you they will have to state a reason why, and you can appeal.
How can I raise my Sadi income?
If you continue to receive Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits, the benefit amount will not go up, except for a small percentage annually as a cost of living adjustment. You are permitted to work while receiving SSDI, as long as it is less than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level, which is defined as $1,170 in gross monthly income in 2017.
I received a letter that said Notice of Change in Payment
Your past payments:
From January 2017 to February 2017
Previous Monthly Amount: $735
Corrected Monthyl Amount : $551
Is that money I owe them or they will pay me? I am confused. I am said I will get a monthly payment of $735 @]starting on December 1st, 2017 and every month afterwards. So I’m confused with all this.
Social Security is saying that for January and February 2017 they paid you $735 per month, but they should have paid you $551 per month. So typically they would call that an overpayment and you would have to pay it back. However, you have the right to appeal this decision and to request a waiver of the overpayment. Read the letter they sent you for the details about your right to appeal.
I’m curious I get 735 amonth n social security n I’m moving 2 Oregon how much social security n Oregon a month
I know Oregon does have an optional state supplement, but the only information I have is that it is “based on state-approved allowances given for individual needs.”
Thank everyone for asking good questions and thank you Brendan for answering them. My question is this. My mom is looking a retiring next year, she still working a full time job; which is starting to take a toll or her body. She will be 65 next year. I am doing the research for her, with the hopes of limiting her stress and make it a seamless process. Now should I make try doing it online or make an appointment to meet with someone?
Applying online is easiest.
i have two kids 7 and 4 years bith taking ssi per child $735 now my husband get $1050 after taxes every two weeks we pay 950 house rent $70 electricity
are they still eligible for ssi
That level of income would probably not put you over the income limit. See the SSI eligibility chart on this Social Security webpage for more information.
I’m in Pensacola FL and I’m receiving 964 a month in SSDI as of now, wondering what the payment will be come 2018
There is a 2.0 percent raise for 2018.
Hello. I live in Pennsylvania. I had fully favorable decision for SSD and SSDI on November 27th, I went to my local office to explained that I am homeless for the past three weeks. A financial supervisor did a financial review with me from my file date to present. She said my SSI will be received on the 27th. When will my SSD begin? I have waited since December 2012.
Once you are approved as disabled, SSI is usually processed relatively quickly, as it is considered more of an emergency for low-income people. Processing your SSDI payment can take longer, up to 60 days. If it takes longer than 60 days, then call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and tell them it has been longer than 60 days and they will flag the case for action.