Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal income supplement program designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people who lack income and resources.
SSI is an entirely different program from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI or SSD), which is paid to people who are considered “insured” by the Social Security Administration after having paid the necessary amount in Social Security taxes.
Kentucky is one of many states that also provides a state supplement to federal SSI payments. SSI benefits are typically contingent on an individual’s income, and numerous factors go into how income is calculated for SSI benefits.
How Much Are SSI Benefits in Kentucky?
The maximum federal SSI payment as of 2019 is $771 a month for a person, and $1,157 a month for a couple. The SSA states that the state supplementation levels in Kentucky are $520 for individuals in personal care facilities, $172 for individuals in family care homes, and $62 for individuals or $115 for couples with caretaker services in their homes.
SSI payment rates are not necessarily the same every month and for every person, as the amounts can vary depending on income and living arrangements. Federal and state supplements may be increased annually to keep up with costs of living.
How SSI Benefit Amounts Are Determined
A person’s SSI benefit is usually based on their income, and income limits are based on the federal benefit rate (FBR), which is the same as the maximum SSI payment. The FBR for 2019 is $771 a month for a person and $1,157 a month for a couple, but only certain types of income will be counted as income for SSI purposes.
The money a person actually earns through employment is usually considered “earned income,” while child support, pension benefits, or other Social Security benefits can be considered “unearned income.”
Food stamps, medical care, housing costs, and certain amounts of other expenses could also be excluded from income calculations in some cases. You should work with an experienced attorney who can use the income calculation that is most favorable to you.
Is Supplemental Security Income Taxable in Kentucky?
Kentucky exempts Social Security benefits from state income taxes. Benefits are subject to taxes only when people’s incomes exceed limits that would disqualify them from receiving SSI.
SSI is considered a need-based program, so this form of assistance does not need to be reported on a person’s tax return. This aspect can be confusing to many people because all sources of income do need to be reported to the SSA, but the SSI income does not have to be reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Contact Paul Baker Law Office for Help with Your SSI Benefits
If you need assistance obtaining SSI benefits in Kentucky, you should not attempt to handle your claim on your own. Let the experienced team at Paul Baker Law Office help you pursue all of the benefits you are entitled to.
Our firm is located in Barbourville but we represent clients all over Kentucky. You can have us provide a complete evaluation of your case when you call us or contact us online for a free consultation.
