Social Security Q&A

Question: How much will I receive if I qualify for SSI benefits?

Answer: The amount of your SSI benefit depends, in part, on where you live. The basic maximum SSI payment is the same nationwide. For 2009, the maximum SSI payment for an eligible individual is $674 per month and $1,011 per month for an eligible couple. However, some states add money to the basic payment to help you meet your living expenses. In addition, other income you have can reduce the basic SSI payment amount, and so can your living arrangements if you are receiving help from others. For more information, go to www.socialsecurity.gov.

Question: I am a noncitizen and I lost my Supplemental Security Income (SSI) because my seven-year eligibility period expired. Will I benefit from the new law, the SSI Extension for Elderly and Disabled Refugees Act (Public Law 110-328)?

Answer: It depends. This law provides for up to two years of additional benefits for certain SSI recipients who had their benefits terminated due to the seven-year time limit.

The seven-year SSI eligibility period for refugees, asylees, and certain other humanitarian immigrants (including victims of human trafficking) is extended up to two years, or three years for certain individuals during the period Oct. 1, 2008, through Sept. 30, 2011. To qualify, otherwise eligible noncitizens are required to sign a declaration indicating that they have made a good faith effort to pursue U.S. citizenship unless they are under age 18 or have an application for naturalization that is pending or has been approved.

If all SSI eligibility requirements are met, the two-year extension may apply retroactively to noncitizens whose SSI previously ceased due to the expiration of the seven-year period, but not earlier than October 1, 2008, even if all eligibility factors are met.

To learn more, visit our new page about the temporary SSI extension at www.socialsecurity.gov/immigration/extension.htm.

This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For fast answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at 800-772-1213.