The Social Security Administration recently announced the cost of living adjustment (COLA) for social security disability benefits. For 2021, the COLA was 1.3%, meaning current benefit recipients will be receiving 1.3% more money in their payment each month, and new recipients will be eligible for a higher amount than they would have been in 2020.
What are the SSI Payment Amounts for 2021?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) was also affected by this increase implemented from the Social Security Administration. Given the 1.3% across-the-board increase, SSI monthly payment amounts will now be $794 for an eligible individual, $1,191 for an eligible individual with an eligible spouse and $397 for an essential person.
The increase, which will become effective in January, is determined by increasing the unrounded annual amounts for the current year by the COLA. That amount is then divided by 12 to produce a regular monthly payment for SSI recipients.
Many SSI recipients do not have enough work history or no work history to qualify for full social security disability insurance (SSDI), as SSDI is figured largely from work history length and amount of money earned. But given not everyone has that experience, SSI is available to ensure that individuals without the work history that fall onto hard times do have something to fall back on.
SSI is a needs-based disability benefit, so in addition to work history, an individual’s assets must also be less than $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Like SSDI, an approval process must be met and not everyone may be approved the first time.
Anyone who has been denied benefits or may need help with applying for benefits can get an attorney involved. Tabak Law has a wealth of experience working with SSI recipients. Get in touch by filling out a form on this page or calling 844-432-0114.