Factors That Affect Your SSI Payment Calculation

Here’s an overview of how SSI payments are calculated:

Federal Benefit Rate (FBR)

The Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) is the maximum amount the federal government will pay to SSI recipients. The FBR for 2025 is:

• $914 per month for an individual.
• $1,371 per month for a couple.

However, this amount is reduced if you have other sources of income or resources.

Countable Income

Your SSI benefit amount is reduced based on your countable income, which is the money you earn or receive from various sources. Countable income includes:

• Earned income: Wages, self-employment income, etc.
• Unearned income: Social Security benefits, pensions, unemployment benefits, etc.
• In-kind income: Food or shelter that someone provides for you without charge or for less than the fair market value.

Income Exclusions

The SSA allows certain types of income to be excluded from your countable income. These exclusions help to reduce the amount of income used in the calculation. Some common exclusions include:

• The first $20 of most income you receive in a month.
• The first $65 of earned income (e.g., wages).
• One-third of the earned income after the $65 exclusion.

For example, if you earn $300 a month in wages, the SSA will exclude the first $65 (earned income exclusion) and then exclude one-third of the remaining $235, which would be $78.33. Therefore, your total countable earned income would be $156.67.

Resources and Assets

To qualify for SSI, your resources (assets) must be below certain limits:

• Individual: $2,000 limit.
• Couple: $3,000 limit.

Resources include cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, real estate (other than your primary residence), and other assets. However, there are some exclusions, such as:

• Your primary residence.
• One vehicle (if it's used for transportation).
• Burial plots and certain life insurance policies.

If your resources exceed the limit, you will not qualify for SSI.

Living Arrangement

Your living situation can also affect your SSI payment:

• Living independently: If you live alone or with others, your full SSI benefit amount will be provided, less any countable income.
• Living with others: If you live with someone who provides food or shelter at no cost, the SSA may reduce your

Example of SSI Payment Calculation

Here’s an example of how your SSI payment could be calculated:

• Federal Benefit Rate (FBR): $914 (for an individual).
• Earned Income: $500 per month.
• Subtract $65 for the earned income exclusion: $500 - $65 = $435.
• Subtract one-third of the remaining $435: $435 ÷ 3 = $145.
• Total countable earned income: $435 - $145 = $290.
• Unearned Income: $100 per month.
• Total countable income: $290 (earned) + $100 (unearned) = $390.
• SSI Payment Calculation:
• $914 (FBR) - $390 (countable income) = $524 SSI payment per month.