1.2 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Flashcards
“What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?”
Answer: “SSI is a needs-based program that provides monthly benefits to low-income individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled.”
Explanation: “Unlike SSDI, SSI is funded by general tax revenue, not payroll taxes. Eligibility depends on income and resource limits.”
Source: CFR §416.202.
“What are the resource limits for SSI eligibility?”
Answer: “$2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples in countable resources.”
Explanation: “Countable resources include cash, bank accounts, stocks, and real estate not used as a primary residence. Certain assets, like a home or one vehicle, are excluded.”
Source: CFR §416.1205.
“What income is excluded when calculating SSI eligibility?”
Answer:
“$20 of any income (general income exclusion).”
“$65 of earned income, plus half of the remainder.”
Explanation: “SSA excludes a portion of income to encourage work. In-kind support and maintenance (e.g., free housing) may count as income.”
Source: CFR §416.1102.
“What is dual eligibility for SSDI and SSI?”
Answer: “Dual eligibility occurs when a claimant qualifies for SSDI but also meets the financial requirements for SSI.”
Explanation: “For example, a person with a small SSDI payment may still qualify for SSI to bring their income up to the federal benefit rate (FBR).”
Source: SSA Dual Eligibility Guidelines.
“What is the federal benefit rate (FBR) for SSI in 2024?”
Answer: “$914 for individuals; $1,371 for couples.”
Explanation: “The FBR sets the maximum monthly SSI payment before deductions for countable income.”
Case Scenario: Maria, a 55-year-old woman, applies for SSI benefits. She has no significant work history and lives with her sister, who provides her with free housing. Maria has $1,000 in a savings account and no other resources.
Question: Is Maria financially eligible for SSI benefits?
nswer: Yes, Maria is financially eligible for SSI because her countable resources are below the $2,000 individual limit, and the free housing provided by her sister does not fully disqualify her.
Legal Explanation: SSI is a needs-based program with financial criteria:
Resource limit: $2,000 for individuals.
Income limit: Varies depending on the source and exclusions.
In-kind support (e.g., free housing) is partially counted as income, but Maria’s total countable resources remain within the allowable threshold.
Case Scenario: Tom, an SSI recipient, receives $500 per month in unearned income from a pension. The federal benefit rate (FBR) for individuals is $967 in 2025.
Question: How much will Tom receive in SSI benefits if his only income is his pension?
Answer: Tom will receive $447 in SSI benefits per month.
Legal Explanation: SSI benefits are reduced dollar-for-dollar by countable income after applying exclusions:
$20 general income exclusion applies to any income.
Countable income: $500 pension - $20 exclusion = $480.
SSI benefit: $967 FBR - $480 = $487.
