Calculate Ssi Benefits

SSI Benefit Estimator

Use this calculator to estimate your potential monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) federal benefit amount based on your reported income and living situation. This calculator focuses on federal benefits and does not include state supplements or complex deeming rules.

Individual Couple (both eligible)

Living Alone / Paying Fair Share Living in Someone Else's Household (Value of One-Third Reduction may apply)

Estimated Monthly SSI Benefit

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$" + countableIncome.toFixed(2) + "

$" + estimatedBenefit.toFixed(2) + "

This is an estimate of your federal SSI benefit. State supplements, resource limits, and complex deeming rules are not included.

Understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that provides monthly cash payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness who have limited income and resources. It also provides payments to people aged 65 or older without disabilities who meet the financial limits.

Who is Eligible for SSI?

To be eligible for SSI, you must meet certain criteria:

• Age: Be 65 or older, OR
• Disability/Blindness: Be blind or have a medical condition that meets the SSA's definition of disability.
• Limited Income: Your countable income must be below the federal benefit rate (FBR).
• Limited Resources: Your countable resources (assets like cash, bank accounts, property, etc.) must not exceed $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. (Note: This calculator focuses on income, not resources.)
• Citizenship/Residency: Be a U.S. citizen or national, or in certain categories of aliens.

How SSI Benefits Are Calculated

The actual SSI benefit you receive is determined by subtracting your "countable income" from the maximum federal benefit amount (FBR). The FBR is the maximum amount an eligible individual or couple can receive from SSI each month. For 2024, the FBR is $943 for an individual and $1,415 for an eligible couple.

Key Factors in Calculation:

1. Federal Benefit Rate (FBR): This is the starting point. It varies based on whether you are an individual or an eligible couple.
2. Living Arrangement: Your living situation can affect your FBR. If you live in someone else's household and do not pay your fair share of food and shelter costs, your FBR may be reduced by one-third. This is known as the "Value of the One-Third Reduction" (VTR).
3. Countable Income: Not all income counts against your SSI benefit. The SSA has specific rules for excluding certain portions of your income.

Understanding Countable Income

The SSA distinguishes between different types of income and applies various exclusions before determining your "countable income."

1. General Income Exclusion ($20)

The first $20 of most income you receive each month is generally not counted. This exclusion is applied first to unearned income. If you have less than $20 in unearned income, the remainder of the $20 exclusion is applied to your earned income.

2. Earned Income Exclusion

Earned income comes from wages, net earnings from self-employment, or certain royalties and honoraria. The SSA is more generous with earned income exclusions to encourage work:

• After the general $20 exclusion (if not fully used by unearned income), the first $65 of your remaining earned income is not counted.
• Then, only half of the remaining earned income is counted.

Example: If you earn $500 and have no unearned income:

• Subtract $20 (general exclusion): $500 – $20 = $480
• Subtract $65 (earned income exclusion): $480 – $65 = $415
• Divide by 2 (50% rule): $415 / 2 = $207.50
• Your countable earned income would be $207.50.

3. Unearned Income Exclusion

Unearned income includes things like Social Security benefits, pensions, unemployment benefits, interest, dividends, and cash from friends or relatives. After the general $20 exclusion is applied, the remaining amount of your unearned income is counted dollar-for-dollar against your SSI benefit.

Example Calculation Scenario:

Let's consider an individual living alone, with the following monthly income:

• Monthly Unearned Income: $300 (e.g., a small pension)
• Monthly Earned Income: $500 (e.g., part-time job)

Here's how the SSI benefit would be estimated:

1. Federal Benefit Rate (FBR): For an individual living alone, the FBR is $943 (2024).
2. Apply General $20 Exclusion:
   • The $20 exclusion is applied to the $300 unearned income first.
   • Countable Unearned Income: $300 – $20 = $280.
   • The $20 exclusion is fully used by unearned income, so no part of it applies to earned income.
3. Apply Earned Income Exclusions:
   • Earned income after general exclusion: $500.
   • Subtract $65 earned income exclusion: $500 – $65 = $435.
   • Divide by 2 (50% rule): $435 / 2 = $217.50.
   • Countable Earned Income: $217.50.
4. Total Countable Income:
   • $280 (countable unearned) + $217.50 (countable earned) = $497.50.
5. Estimated SSI Benefit:
   • $943 (FBR) – $497.50 (Total Countable Income) = $445.50.

In this scenario, the estimated monthly federal SSI benefit would be $445.50.

Important Considerations and Limitations:

• State Supplements: Many states provide an additional payment, called a state supplement, on top of the federal SSI benefit. This calculator does not include state supplements, as they vary significantly by state.
• Resource Limits: This calculator only addresses income. You must also meet strict resource limits ($2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple) to be eligible for SSI. Certain assets, like your home and one vehicle, are typically excluded.
• Deeming: If you live with an ineligible spouse or the parent(s) of an eligible child, a portion of their income and resources may be "deemed" to you, potentially reducing your SSI benefit. This complex rule is not included in this calculator.
• Other Exclusions: There are other specific income exclusions (e.g., for students, impairment-related work expenses, blind work expenses) that are not covered by this general calculator.
• Application Process: This calculator provides an estimate only. To determine your actual eligibility and benefit amount, you must apply for SSI through the Social Security Administration.

Always consult with the Social Security Administration or a qualified benefits counselor for personalized advice regarding your SSI eligibility and benefit amount.