Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefit Calculator
Estimate your potential monthly SSI benefit. Note: This is an estimation and actual benefits may vary. Consult the Social Security Administration for official figures.
Individual (2024)
Couple (2024)
No
Yes
Estimated Monthly SSI Benefit:
—
Understanding How SSI Benefits Are Calculated
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness, or who are age 65 and older, who have limited income and resources. Unlike Social Security benefits, SSI is not based on your work history. It is a needs-based program.
The core of the SSI calculation involves determining your "countable income" and subtracting it from the maximum federal benefit rate (FBR), with adjustments for certain living arrangements and the receipt of other benefits.
The Basic Calculation Formula
The general formula for calculating an SSI benefit is:
Estimated Benefit = Maximum Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) - Countable Income
Key Components of the Calculation:
- Federal Benefit Rate (FBR): This is the maximum monthly amount the SSA provides to eligible individuals and couples. These rates are set by Congress and are adjusted annually for inflation. For 2024, the FBR for an eligible individual is $943 per month, and for an eligible couple, it is $1,415 per month.
-
Countable Income: This is the most complex part. SSI considers most types of income, but not all income counts dollar-for-dollar. Some income is excluded entirely, and some is "imputed" at a reduced value. Generally, countable income includes:
- Earned Income: Income from work (wages, net earnings from self-employment). The first $65 of earned income per month is excluded, and half of the remaining earned income is also excluded.
- Unearned Income: Income not from work, such as pensions, Social Security benefits (but not SSI), gifts, or other assistance. Generally, only half of unearned income is counted if it's received monthly, but there are specific rules for different types of unearned income.
- In-Kind Income: This is non-cash assistance, like food or shelter provided to you for free or at a reduced value. Specific rules apply to imputing the value of in-kind income.
- Living Arrangements: The FBR can be reduced if you live in someone else's home and they provide you with food or shelter, or if you are in certain medical facilities. This calculator simplifies this by asking if you are receiving "In Lieu of Payment" for food or shelter, which can affect the benefit amount.
- Other Benefits: If you receive certain other benefits that are meant to cover your basic needs (like some state or local programs that provide food or shelter), your SSI benefit may be reduced.
Example Scenario:
Let's consider an individual who is eligible for SSI:
- Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) for an Individual (2024): $943
- Countable Income: Suppose after all exclusions and reductions, their countable income is $50 per month (perhaps from a small pension or occasional odd jobs where most earnings are excluded).
- Living Arrangement: They live independently and do not receive "In Lieu of Payment" for food or shelter (No).
Calculation:
$943 (FBR) - $50 (Countable Income) = $893
In this scenario, the estimated monthly SSI benefit would be $893.
Another Scenario (Couple):
- Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) for a Couple (2024): $1,415
- Countable Income: $150 per month.
- Living Arrangement: They live independently (No).
Calculation:
$1,415 (FBR) - $150 (Countable Income) = $1,265
The estimated monthly SSI benefit for the couple would be $1,265.
Important Considerations:
- This calculator provides a simplified estimation. The SSA has complex rules for deeming income (income of a spouse or parent), excluding certain resources, and calculating income.
- The "In Lieu of Payment" option is a simplification. Specific reductions depend on the exact nature of the in-kind support and maintenance provided.
- Always consult the official Social Security Administration website or contact them directly for accurate benefit calculations and eligibility information.