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In most areas, recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can qualify for an additional payment from their state. These state supplemental payments offer much needed monthly income. According to federal data from 2022, the average supplemental payment is worth $145.08 per month. But how you qualify depends on your state’s rules.
This article will give you a brief overview of what SSI supplemental payments are and the average payment amount in state’s that offer them.
A state supplemental payment, or SSP, is a monthly benefit that some states pay in addition to a person’s federal SSI benefit. (Depending where you live, your state may call them state supplementary payments.)
These payments are made by the Social Security Administration (SSA) in some states, but they aren’t federal benefits. SSPs are also distinct from state short-term disability insurance programs.
SSI recipients may be eligible for supplemental payments based on their living arrangements, income, and other factors. Some states also offer supplemental benefits to children.
However, each state decides for itself exactly who qualifies for benefits. For example, in states that provide SSPs for children, some offer different rates for children who are blind versus children with other disabilities.
In most states, you’ll have to go through the state itself to learn more about its SSP program and how to apply. You can also contact your local SSA office if it administers the payments for your state.
The majority of states offer supplemental SSI payments. Only six states do not provide SSPs in 2023.
SSI itself offers payments worth up to $914 per month in 2023. How much you get from SSI is based on your monthly income and if you have no other sources of income, you’ll get the maximum of $914.
How much you receive through supplemental payments will depend on the rules in your state. In most areas, your current income and living situation will affect how much you get. For example, a state may pay different SSP amounts for someone who lives independently and someone who lives in community housing.
Payment data isn’t readily available for every state, but it is more accessible from places where the SSA administers SSPs.
State | Average SSI supplemental payment |
---|---|
California | $161.79 |
Delaware | $133.95 |
Washington, D.C. | $377.77 |
Hawaii | $483.61 |
Iowa | $230.73 |
Michigan | $120.22 |
Montana | $84.34 |
Nevada | $42.63 |
New Jersey | $37.28 |
Pennsylvania | $370.04 |
Rhode Island | $280.29 |
Vermont | $53.69 |
Before you can receive SSI supplemental payments, you have to apply for and win SSI benefits. To apply for SSI, you’ll need to prove you have a medical condition that leaves you unable to work. You also need to have monthly income and personal assets below $2,000 if you’re single and $3,000 if you’re married.
For more help, start with our step-by-step guide to applying for disability benefits.
If you’ve already applied or been denied for SSI, a disability lawyer can help you navigate the application and appeal process. Atticus can help you find an experienced lawyer who will treat your claim as a priority. To see if a lawyer could help your claim, fill out our free 2-minute disability benefits quiz.
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Jackie Jakab
Lead Attorney
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