My disabled son is turning 18 soon and will qualify for SSI benefits. How can we maximize what he is entitled to and what is that monthly amount? Is there a resource online or in print to learn more about that? A disability consultant has offered to help but at a significant cost.
Thanks!

Hi,

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs based benefit totally separate from the Social Security program, although the Social Security Administration is responsible for administering both programs.

SSI is designed as a last resort source of income for people in need due to blindness, disability or old age (i.e. 65 or older). To be eligible, a person must have little or no income, and limited available resources (i.e. under $2,000 per individual, or $3,000 per couple). There is a standard maximum monthly federal payment amount which is currently set at $733, and some states also tack on additional state aid payments called state supplements. The payment amount that a recipient receives may be reduced if they have other sources of income, or if they receive certain types of non-cash support (e.g. free housing).

For more information, you might want to start with the SSI home page: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/.

Best, Jerry