How to Compare State SSI Benefits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides cash assistance to certain low-income disabled and elderly individuals through the supplemental security income (SSI) program. Certain states provide additional assistance in order to offset the higher cost of living in some regions. The standard maximum for SSI is $674 per month without any supplements.

Things You'll Need

• Telephone
• Source of cost of living statistics (i.e. the Internet or a library)

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Instructions

• 1

  Contact your local Social Security office to obtain information regarding whether a certain state provides any kind of cash assistance to supplement SSI checks. California provides a $250+ per month supplement to residents who receive SSI.

• 2

  Determine whether this assistance has any requirements that must be met other than simply receiving SSI. This will likely require consulting with the health and human services department of the state that you are inquiring about.

• 3

  Research the average cost of living if you are considering moving to a region where SSI benefits are higher. In some cases, the SSI supplement is not sufficient for covering the higher cost of living.