Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefit Calculator
Estimate your potential monthly SSI benefit. Please note this is an estimation and not a guarantee of benefits.
This is your income after certain exclusions. For example, the first $20 of most income is excluded, and the first $65 of earned income is excluded.
This is the estimated value of food or shelter you receive for free. It's typically excluded if you are in a medical facility and pay for more than half the cost of your care.
Estimated Monthly SSI Benefit:
$0.00
Understanding SSI and How Benefits Are Calculated
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness who have income and resources below specific financial limits. SSI is needs-based, meaning eligibility and benefit amounts depend on your income, resources, living arrangements, and citizenship status.
The SSI benefit amount is calculated based on your countable income and the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR). The FBR is the maximum monthly amount the federal government provides to eligible individuals. For 2024, the FBR for an individual is $943. For a couple, it's $1,415. This calculator uses the individual rate.
The Calculation Formula:
The basic formula to estimate your monthly SSI benefit is:
Estimated Monthly Benefit = Federal Benefit Rate – Countable Income – Value of In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM)
Let's break down the components:
- Federal Benefit Rate (FBR): This is the maximum monthly payment. It's adjusted annually for inflation.
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Countable Income: This is not your gross income. The SSA excludes certain amounts and types of income. Common exclusions include:
- The first $20 of most income (except some earned income).
- The first $65 of earned income (wages, net earnings from self-employment).
- One-half of earned income over $65.
- Portions of certain other income types (e.g., food stamps, some energy assistance).
- In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM): This refers to the value of food or shelter you receive because someone else pays for it or provides it for free. If you live in someone else's household and receive free room and board, the SSA may reduce your benefit by up to one-third of the FBR. There are specific rules and exceptions, especially for those in medical facilities. This calculator includes ISM as a direct deduction.
Important Considerations:
- Living Arrangements: Your living situation (e.g., living alone, with others, in an institution) affects how ISM is calculated and can impact your benefit amount.
- State Supplements: Some states add their own supplemental payments to the federal SSI benefit. This calculator does not include state supplements.
- Resources: SSI also has strict limits on the value of assets (resources) you can own. Generally, individuals can have no more than $2,000 in resources, and couples no more than $3,000. This calculator does not assess resource eligibility.
- Official Determination: This calculator provides an estimate only. The Social Security Administration makes the final determination of eligibility and benefit amount based on a thorough review of your specific circumstances.
For accurate information and to apply, please visit the official Social Security Administration website or contact them directly.