I was receiving 1400 a month when I was approved for ssi and ssd. After the second month they said my disability kicked in now I receive 684 for disability and 72 dollars for ssi. I was told this is the most ssi pays for and I couldn't appeal? There are people I know that still receives the same benefits like I was receiving in the beginning. I just turned 62 and I was working I stopped working to too both disabilities when I was 60 going on 61. Am I entitled to more benefits?

Hi,

I don't know where the $1400 a month was coming from, but it sounds like you are probably getting the right amount from Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a needs based program, and the maximum federal payment is currently $733 per month. However, if you are receiving any other type of income, like Social Security disability in your case, the other income offsets the SSI payments essentially dollar for dollar. The first $20 of other income isn't counted, though, so if you receive both Social Security and SSI, the most you can receive in total is $753 per month.

Some states have their own needs based supplement programs, and several states tie their supplemental payments to the SSI program. Each state has their own eligibility rules, so if that's what you were previously receiving, you'll probably need to check with the agency responsible for those benefits in your state.

Best, Jerry