Supplemental Security Income may have been something you are either preparing for in the near future or have already been waiting on through appeal processes or applications. Many local residents want to know “how much SSI can you get in Missouri”? The answer isn’t always so simple, but there are a handful of things you can do to calculate an estimated amount that you may receive in 2023. 

Federal SSI Payments in 2023

The monthly maximum amount of Federal SSI income for 2023 is $914 for individuals, $1371 for eligible individuals with an eligible spouse, and $458 for an essential person. Each year these amounts are adjusted based on cost of living changes, and for 2022 they will be adjusted by 8.7% in January 2023. 

This monthly payment is then reduced based on your countable income, which is any income received during the month that can be used to meet your needs. If you are an eligible individual married to an eligible spouse, your countable income is subtracted equally from the two separate payments. 

How Much SSI Can You Get in Missouri?

In the state of Missouri, an individual can receive up to $914 each month in benefits and eligible couples can receive $1371 each month. Additionally, it is possible to qualify for both SSI and SSDI in Missouri. 

Not everyone receives the same amount. Some states add money to the federal SSI payment, but Missouri does not contribute additional funds. Some individuals receive less if they have other income like wages, pensions, or Social Security benefits. If someone pays your household expenses or your spouse has an income it can also reduce your monthly benefit amount. 

Accounting for Countable Income

Before qualifying for SSI, you must first have less than $2000 countable resources as an individual and $3000 as a couple to qualify for SSI benefits. 

In the event that you have countable income each month that should be applied, that must be adjusted with your SSI payments. This is often best done with an attorney to make sure you don’t make any mistakes and potentially account for more income which could result in smaller monthly SSI payments potentially. 

Not all of your income is “countable income”. Depending on how much money is coming into the household, sometimes less than half of your income is accounted for as “countable income” against your SSI benefits. 

“Fair Share” And In-Kind Support

If you are receiving additional support for food and shelter, such as living with family members, and do not currently pay your share of the expenses, this can also negatively impact your expected SSI benefits. The maximum benefits allowances are based on living on your own and covering all food and shelter expenses like rent, mortgages, utilities, etc. If you do not currently have any of those expenses and are not contributing to your household, this could become a predicament when applying. You should discuss your living situation with an attorney before moving forward with an application for SSI benefits. 

Applying for SSI in Missouri? Get Help from The Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill

Please contact the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill so one of our disability attorneys can assist you in applying for SSI. Applying for disability benefits on your own may decrease your chances of getting approved. We can also help you prepare for your hearing.