BIG UPDATE: California’s SSI Benefits Cover Only 22.2% of Living Expenses – See Where Your State Stands
Social Security is primarily recognized as a retirement benefit program, but it also offers disability benefits, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). If you are eligible for SSI benefits, there’s good news this month: many recipients may see increased payouts based on their state of residence.
States with the Largest Disability Benefit Checks
Adults and children who are blind or disabled, and who meet specific resource thresholds, can receive monthly payments through the SSI program. Additionally, individuals aged 65 and older may qualify for SSI benefits even without a disability, as long as they meet the financial requirements. Importantly, even if you currently receive retirement or SSDI benefits, you may still be eligible for SSI.
To qualify for SSDI benefits, applicants must meet the following criteria as outlined by the Social Security Administration:
- Employment history that contributed to Social Security.
- A medical condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability.
Typically, monthly SSDI benefits are provided to individuals unable to work for a year or more due to their disability, with benefits continuing until they can return to work. The program also offers work incentives, including ongoing benefits and healthcare coverage, to support individuals in resuming their careers.
Which States Have Insufficient Disability Benefit Coverage?
While disability benefit checks remain consistent across the United States, the cost of living varies significantly by location. This means that funds can stretch further in some states than in others. Generally, living comfortably on SSI or SSDI alone is challenging, but residing in a low-cost state can provide more financial relief.
According to Kiplinger, data from MIT’s Living Wage Calculator indicates that the income required to meet living expenses in many areas can be up to three times higher than the average SSDI recipient’s benefits.
Kiplinger analyzed SSDI payments relative to median income and identified three states where SSDI covers at least half of a person’s cost of living. Wyoming tops this list, with SSDI covering about 52%. Conversely, six states fall below the threshold of 40%, with Washington, D.C., at the lowest end, where the average SSDI benefit covers only 30% of living expenses.
Top States for SSI Benefit Coverage
Here are the ten states where SSI benefits cover the highest percentage of livable wages:
- South Dakota: 32.7%
- Wyoming: 31.8%
- North Dakota: 31.6%
- Tennessee: 31.4%
- West Virginia: 31.4%
- Kentucky: 31.4%
- Arkansas: 31.2%
- Ohio: 31.1%
- Mississippi: 31.0%
- Oklahoma: 30.8%
States with the Lowest SSI Benefit Coverage
Conversely, the District of Columbia offers the lowest SSI benefit coverage at just 21% of living wages. The bottom five states include:
- New York: 21.1%
- Hawaii: 22.1%
- Massachusetts: 22.2%
- California: 22.2%
- New Jersey: 23.6%
Average Monthly Disability Benefit Amounts
Both SSI and SSDI programs provide different payment amounts based on several factors, including monthly income, resources, type of disability, and previous Social Security contributions. Here’s a breakdown of typical benefit amounts:
| Social Security payments | Disability benefits | SSI benefits |
|---|---|---|
| On average | $1,537 | $698 |
| Other payments | Blind recipients: $2,590 | Individuals: $943 |
| Maximum payment: $3,822 | Couples: $1,415 | |
| Essential person: $472 |
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