Ask Larry

My disabled son is turning 18 soon and will qualify for SSI benefits. How can we maximize what he is entitled to and what is that monthly amount? Is there a resource online or in print to learn more about that? A disability consultant has offered to help but at a significant cost.
Thanks!

Hi,

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs based benefit totally separate from the Social Security program, although the Social Security Administration is responsible for administering both programs.

SSI is designed as a last resort source of income for people in need due to blindness, disability or old age (i.e. 65 or older). To be eligible, a person must have little or no income, and limited available resources (i.e. under $2,000 per individual, or $3,000 per couple). There is a standard maximum monthly federal payment amount which is currently set at $733, and some states also tack on additional state aid payments called state supplements. The payment amount that a recipient receives may be reduced if they have other sources of income, or if they receive certain types of non-cash support (e.g. free housing).

For more information, you might want to start with the SSI home page: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/.

Best, Jerry