Legal Definitions - federal benefit rate

Federal Benefit Rate

The Federal Benefit Rate is the amount of money that the government provides to people who receive Supplemental Security Income. This money is meant to help them pay for basic needs like food, housing, and clothing. As of 2021, the Federal Benefit Rate is $794 for individuals and $1,191 for couples. However, some states and territories add more money to this amount.

For example, if someone in California receives Supplemental Security Income, they will also receive an additional state supplement of $160.72 per month. This means that their total monthly benefit would be $954.72 if they are an individual and $1,352.14 if they are a couple.

Another example is in Hawaii, where the state supplement is $70.40 per month for individuals and $140.80 per month for couples. This means that their total monthly benefit would be $864.40 if they are an individual and $1,331.80 if they are a couple.

These examples illustrate how the Federal Benefit Rate is just the base amount that people receive. States and territories can add more money to this amount to help people who receive Supplemental Security Income pay for their basic needs.