How To Calcuate SSI Benefits Before Filing

The amount of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits to which you are entitled is based on standardized national amounts of benefits available, whether your state offers additional benefits, your eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, your household income, and your resources.  Since the amount of SSI benefits that you receive can vary considerably, you should calculate your SSI benefits in advance so that you will know how much you will receive.

Base SSI Benefit Amounts

For the year 2010, the national level of SSI disability benefits is $674.00 per month for an individual, and $1,011.00 per month for a couple.  However, some states, such as California, supplement the base national level of SSI benefits with additional state funds.  Therefore, the total amount of SSI benefits that you receive depends in part on the state in which you live.

Receiving SSI Benefits and SSDI Benefits

Unlike SSI benefits, SSDI benefits are based upon your work history and earnings.  However, if you are entitled to monthly SSDI benefits that are less than the base SSI benefit amount, you may be entitled to also receive SSI benefits, so that you are receiving a minimum of $674.00 per month as an individual.  Whether you are eligible for both SSI and SSDI benefits will also depend in part on your household income, which, in turn, directly affects your SSI eligibility.   

SSI and Your Household Income

Your eligibility for SSI benefits is largely dependent upon your household income.  Certain types and/or amounts of income do not count for the purposes of calculating SSI benefits.  For instance, the first $20.00 per month of any income that you receive does not count for SSI benefit calculation purposes, just as the first $65.00 per month of any earned income, as well as one-half (1/2) of any other earned income, does not count in the benefit calculation. 

SSI and Your Resources

Like household income, resources that you own have a direct impact upon the amount of SSI benefits to which you are entitled.  In order to be eligible for SSI, you can own no more than $2,000.00 worth of resources as individual, and $3,000.00 worth of resources as a couple.  However, many resources are exempt from the resource limits, such as the home in which you live, burial spaces, and wedding rings. 

Consult an Attorney for Advice

If you still have questions about calculating your SSI benefits, you can contact an attorney for assistance.  An attorney who specializes in the area of Social Security benefits will be able to best advise you as to the amount of SSI benefits to which you may be entitled.