SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, will increase this year and many are wondering what their payments will be.
The new COLA increase applies to SSI recipients as well.
The COLA boost happens every year to help keep those on a fixed income able to keep up with inflation.
Related: Will Social Security recipients be getting a fourth stimulus check?
The decision on how much to increase payments, or not to increase payments, comes from the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers.
The maximum monthly payments for SSI benefits will be $821 per month. That’s $10,092 annually.
Couples will see a maximum benefit of $1,261 per month. They will end up with about $15,139 annually.
Related: Online statements for Social Security benefits are redesigned
While the increase is good, inflation is still rising at a rapid pace.
This means the increase may not be as much as it seems.
SSI is run by the Social Security Administration. It helps people over age 65, disabled people, and blind people with little to no income.
To qualify, people can’t have over $2,000 in assets individually, or $3,000 jointly.
People who earn money also see an impact on their SSI. The more they earn, the less they make in SSI.
Related: What will I make if I only receive Social Security when I retire? 3 ways to boost your benefits
Seniors can claim both SSI and Social Security if they qualify.
Children getting benefits are usually more because they do not have earnings.
If you claim both Social Security and SSI, the SSI is less depending on how much you get with Social Security.
7.8 million Americans were receiving SSI in July of 2021.
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