SSI payment amount seems too low at $943 - should I appeal for higher benefits?

The $943 amount is actually the standard federal SSI payment for 2025 for an individual. Your neighbor is likely receiving additional state supplementation on top of the federal SSI payment, which varies dramatically depending on which state you live in. Some states add nothing while others add hundreds.Alternatively, your neighbor might be receiving both SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) AND SSI, which would explain the higher total. SSDI is based on your work history and what you paid into the system, while SSI is needs-based with strict income and resource limits.

Thank you for explaining this! I didn't know about state supplementation. I'm in Florida - do you know if they provide any additional amount? And how would I find out if I qualify for SSDI too? I worked consistently for about 18 years before my health got too bad.

You should definitely apply for SSDI if you worked for 18 years! SSI is only part of what you might qualify for. Based on your work history, you likely have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI, which could provide higher benefits based on your past earnings instead of just the flat SSI amount.I'd call SSA immediately to check on your potential SSDI eligibility. Many people receive both SSI and SSDI if their SSDI amount is low. The combined payment could be significantly higher than SSI alone.

I'll definitely look into SSDI. The SSA representative never mentioned I might qualify for that too. Is it a completely separate application process?

i got ssi and ssdi both. had 2 different applications and everythng. ssi came first then ssdi kicked in 5 months later with backpay. call ssa and ask bout disability insurance benefits based on yr work record

Thanks! Did you use the same medical documentation for both applications? I've been trying to call SSA for 3 days but can't get through - just endless hold times then disconnection.

I know how frustrating those SSA phone lines can be! After spending weeks trying to get through about my SSDI application, I found this service called Claimyr that got me connected to an SSA agent in under 20 minutes. They basically call SSA for you and then connect you when they reach an agent. Saved me hours of hold time! Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puURegarding your actual question - definitely look into SSDI. With 18 years of work history, you're very likely eligible and it could significantly increase your monthly benefits compared to SSI alone.

Thank you so much for this tip! I'll check out that service because I'm desperate to talk to someone at SSA. I had no idea I might be missing out on SSDI benefits.

THE SSA IS DELIBERATELY CONFUSING PEOPLE about benefits!!! I fought for 2 YEARS to get my correct payment amount. They NEVER tell you everything you qualify for and hope you don't figure it out. My cousin works for a disability attorney and says they see this ALL THE TIME where people only get SSI when they should be getting SSDI too!!!

This happened to my brother too. He was on SSI for 3 years before someone told him to apply for SSDI. Turned out he qualified for both and got a huge backpay check too. The system is so confusing.

Florida doesn't provide any state supplement to SSI for most people. I moved here from New York where they add about $87 to the federal amount. That's why the standard payment seems so low. Definitely check on SSDI though - with your work history you might qualify for a decent amount.

That explains a lot about the low amount. I moved from California last year where I think they have supplements. I'll definitely pursue the SSDI option.

One important thing to understand: if you do qualify for SSDI, you might get backpay dating to when you first became disabled (minus a 5-month waiting period). The rules for SSI and SSDI are completely different.For SSI, the maximum federal benefit in 2025 is indeed $943 for an individual. This amount is reduced if you have any other income or if someone helps pay your expenses.For SSDI, your benefit amount is based on your average lifetime earnings before you became disabled. There's no set maximum - it's calculated based on your specific work and earnings history.

This is so helpful! I became disabled about 2.5 years ago but only applied for benefits 6 months ago. If I qualify for SSDI, would I potentially get backpay for the full 2.5 years minus the 5-month waiting period?

im on both ssi and ssdi, get about $1400 total each month. call ssa asap, theyre not gonna automatically check if u qualify for both

Thanks! I'm definitely going to pursue this. Just got to figure out how to get through to someone at SSA.

You have several options here, but the rules changed in 2015 which eliminated some claiming strategies. Here's what you need to know:1. You can claim either your own retirement benefit OR a spousal benefit based on your ex-husband's record (it would be 50% of his full retirement amount if you wait until your full retirement age).2. If you claim either benefit before your full retirement age of 67, it will be permanently reduced.3. You CANNOT claim one benefit now and then switch to the other one later (unless your ex-husband is currently not claiming his benefits yet).4. Your best strategy is to compare which benefit would be higher - your own or the spousal benefit - and then decide when to claim.5. Your claiming on his record does NOT affect his benefits in any way, and he will never even be notified that you've claimed on his record.The SSA handles everything without involving your ex-husband. You'll need to provide your marriage certificate and divorce decree when you apply.

Thank you for such a clear explanation! So if my ex isn't claiming his benefits yet (he's still working at 65), does that mean I could potentially take my reduced benefit now and then switch to the spousal benefit when he files? Or would I be stuck with my reduced benefit forever?

Based on the 2025 Social Security rules, if your own benefit at Full Retirement Age (FRA) is $1,850, then taking it at 62 would reduce it to approximately $1,295 (a 30% reduction). As for ex-spousal benefits, you'd be entitled to 50% of his FRA benefit amount. Without knowing his benefit amount, it's hard to say which would be better. But if his FRA benefit is more than $3,700, then 50% of his ($1,850) would equal your own FRA benefit.One important note: If you claim ANY benefit before your FRA, you'll be subject to the earnings test if you're still working. In 2025, you can only earn up to $22,320 without having benefits reduced if you're under FRA.

I'm retired already so the earnings test isn't an issue for me. I think his benefit would be over $3,000 at full retirement age based on his career, but I'm not sure exactly. Is there any way for me to find this out from SSA without contacting him directly?

my sister went thru this exact thing! she was married 22 yrs and her ex made wayyyy more than her. she had to bring her marriage certificate and divorce papers to ssa office and they were able to tell her right then what she could get from his record. turned out it was about $600 more per month than her own benefit!

That's encouraging! Did she have to make an appointment at the SSA office or just walk in? I've heard the wait times can be terrible these days.

When I needed to sort out my ex-spouse benefits, I spent days trying to get through to SSA on the phone with no luck. I found this service called Claimyr that connected me to an SSA agent in about 10 minutes. They basically wait on hold for you then call you when they reach a representative. Saved me hours of frustration! Their website is claimyr.com and you can see a video of how it works here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puUAs for your actual question - definitely bring your marriage certificate and divorce decree when you apply. The SSA can access your ex's earnings record to calculate your potential spousal benefit without contacting him at all.

Thank you for the tip about Claimyr! I'll check it out. I've been dreading calling SSA because everyone says it's impossible to get through.

i think ur better off waiting till 67 no matter what. taking ss at 62 is a HUGE cut that lasts forever. my mom did that and regrets it so much now that shes 85 and money is tight

That's what I'm worried about too. I'm in good health and longevity runs in my family, so I might live well into my 90s. I'm just trying to balance current needs with long-term planning.

I went through this exact situation last year! Here's what you need to know that the SSA doesn't explain clearly:1. If your ex hasn't filed for his benefits yet, you can ONLY claim your own reduced retirement at 62.2. Once he files for his benefits (even if he's past FRA and didn't file earlier), you can then be eligible for the ex-spousal benefit.3. At THAT point, SSA will automatically give you the higher of: your already-reduced benefit OR the ex-spousal benefit (which would also be reduced if you're not at FRA when he files).This is why the timing gets complicated. If you file at 62 and he doesn't file until you're 67, you'll get 5 years of reduced benefits before potentially switching to the ex-spousal benefit.

This makes it much clearer, thank you! Since he's 65 and still working, I'm guessing he hasn't filed yet. I should probably try to find that out first before making any decisions.

My friend just went through this whole ex-spouse benefit thing and the rules are so confusing! She ended up hiring a financial advisor who specializes in Social Security claiming strategies because there were so many factors to consider. Might be worth the money if we're talking about a difference of hundreds of dollars monthly for the rest of your life.

That's a good point. I hadn't considered getting professional advice, but you're right that this is a decision that affects the rest of my life financially.

To answer your question about finding out his benefit amount without contacting him: When you go to SSA (either by phone or in person), they can look up what your spousal benefit would be based on his record without telling you his actual benefit amount. They'll just tell you what YOU would be eligible for.Also, one correction to my earlier comment - with the rule changes made in 2015, even if your ex-husband hasn't filed for his benefits yet, you can't file for just your benefit and then switch to the higher spousal benefit later without restriction. When you file for any benefit before FRA, you're deemed to be filing for all benefits you're eligible for, and you'll receive the higher of the two amounts.

Thank you for the clarification! Social Security rules are more complicated than I realized. I think I need to talk directly with SSA to understand my specific options based on both my record and my ex's.

One more important consideration: if you're planning to continue working past 62, claiming any benefits before your FRA could result in benefit reductions due to the earnings test ($1 in benefits withheld for every $2 earned above $22,320 in 2025).Also, don't forget about survivor benefits, which are different from spousal benefits. If your ex-husband passes away (hopefully not for many years!), you would be eligible for 100% of his benefit amount if you take it at your FRA, rather than just the 50% for spousal benefits. This can be a significant difference in long-term planning.

I hadn't even thought about survivor benefits - that's an important point for long-term planning. I'm already fully retired so the earnings test doesn't apply to me, but that's good information for others to know.

Working part-time below SGA levels ($1,550/month in 2025) should not automatically trigger a termination of benefits during your CDR (Continuing Disability Review). The key factors SSA evaluates are:1. Has your medical condition improved enough that you could engage in substantial gainful activity? (Medical Improvement Review Standard)2. Does your current work activity demonstrate an ability to engage in SGA?Since you're earning well below SGA and your doctor supports that your condition remains disabling, you're in a relatively good position. Make sure your doctor's documentation clearly explains:- Why your conditions prevent full-time work- Any accommodations you need for your part-time work- The limitations you still experience despite part-time work- How your symptoms fluctuate and affect your productivityBe completely honest about your work activity in the review, as SSA can verify your earnings through tax records.

Thank you for this detailed information. I'm definitely below SGA limits, but I worry that they'll see my ability to do ANY work as evidence I'm not disabled. My doctor is supportive but sometimes doesn't include enough detail in his notes. Is there a specific form I should ask him to complete that would help document my limitations better?

i went through this last year. working part time actually helped my case because it showed i was TRYING to work but still couldn't do full time. just make sure you report all your earnings correctly. my reviewer said they like seeing people attempt work rather than doing nothing at all.

That's reassuring to hear! Did you have to provide any special documentation about your work limitations, or was your doctor's support enough?

For your CDR, make sure you're prepared with:1. A detailed list of all treatments, medications, and therapies you've tried since your approval2. Documentation of any worsening symptoms or new limitations3. Records showing how your conditions affect your daily functioning4. A breakdown of accommodations you need for part-time work (rest breaks, flexible schedule, etc.)5. Information about any days you missed work due to symptomsThe SSA form that's most helpful is Form SSA-3380 (Function Report). You'll likely receive this as part of your review, but you can also ask your doctor to complete a Residual Functional Capacity assessment that details your specific limitations. Remember that SSDI allows for trial work attempts and part-time work below SGA specifically to encourage beneficiaries to work to their ability without fear of losing benefits.

This is incredibly helpful information. I'll start gathering these documents right away. For the Function Report, should I emphasize the limitations rather than capabilities? I'm worried about appearing too functional if I'm honest about the good days, even though the bad days far outnumber them.

SSA IS LOOKING FOR EXCUSES TO CUT PEOPLE OFF!!! My sister got terminated after her review even though she was only working 10 hours a week and her MS is WORSE than when she was approved!!! The whole system is designed to punish people who try to work AT ALL. She appealed and eventually won but went 8 MONTHS without benefits and almost lost her house!!!

This happened to my cousin too with her lupus. She worked like 5 hours a week just to have something to do and they cut her off saying she was \

When I went through my medical review last year, I had the hardest time getting anyone at SSA on the phone to answer my questions about how my part-time work would affect the review. After days of trying, I used Claimyr to get through to SSA and was connected to an agent in about 15 minutes. They explained exactly what I needed to document. Saved me so much stress! Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puUFor the actual review, be very clear about how your conditions limit your work capacity. My doctor wrote a detailed letter explaining why I could only work part-time with accommodations, which was really helpful in my case.

Thank you for the recommendation. I'll definitely check out that service because I've been trying to get specific information from SSA without success. Did you have to submit any documentation from your employer about accommodations they make for you?

dont worry too much, ive been on ssdi for 15 yrs with 3 reviews. they mainly just check if your still seeing doctors regularly and if your condition improved. part time work under sga is allowed and even encouraged with ticket to work program

That's good to hear from someone with multiple reviews! Did they ever question you about your specific job duties and how you manage them with your disability?

My review last year was actually pretty simple. They sent a form asking about my medical treatment, current doctors, and work activity. Then they requested records directly from my doctors. I never even had to go for an exam with their doctors. I work about 12 hours a week with my disability and it wasn't an issue at all since I'm under SGA.

I hope mine goes as smoothly as yours! Did you provide any additional documentation beyond what they specifically requested?

It's important to understand the legal standard SSA must use during a CDR, which is different from an initial application. They must find evidence of \

Thank you for explaining the Medical Improvement Review Standard - that makes me feel a bit better about the process. I do have very flexible hours with my freelance work and often have to take days off when my symptoms flare. I'll make sure to document all of these accommodations I essentially make for myself.

One additional document that can be extremely helpful is a detailed letter from your employer or clients (if you're freelancing) that specifies any accommodations or flexibility they provide. For example, if they allow you extended deadlines, don't require video meetings when you're not feeling well, or understand when you can't work during flares, having this in writing can strongly support your case.Also, keep a symptom journal for at least a few weeks before your review, noting:- Pain/fatigue levels daily- Hours you were able to work- Rest periods needed- Activities you couldn't complete- Medications and side effectsThis kind of detailed documentation can help bridge the gap between what medical imaging shows and your actual functional limitations.

The symptom journal is an excellent suggestion - I'll start that immediately. As a freelancer, I don't have a single employer, but I could possibly get letters from a couple of regular clients who are aware of my health issues and have been accommodating.

Yes, you can claim survivor benefits as early as age 60, but there are important factors to consider in your specific situation:1. Early claiming reduction: Taking survivor benefits at 60 instead of your FRA (67) will permanently reduce them by 28.5% (approximately $2,288 instead of $3,200).2. Earnings test: For 2025, if you're under FRA and earn more than $22,320, SSA withholds $1 in benefits for every $2 earned above this limit. With $98,000 in earnings, most or all of your survivor benefits would be withheld due to this test.3. However, any benefits withheld due to the earnings test will result in a recalculation and increase in your benefit amount once you reach FRA.4. And yes, you can switch between benefits: You could take reduced survivor benefits at 60 (even if mostly withheld due to earnings), then switch to your own retirement benefit at 70 when it would be increased by 24% (approximately $3,410 based on your FRA amount of $2,750).The strategy of claiming survivor benefits early while continuing to work and then switching to your own retirement benefit at 70 could maximize your lifetime benefits, even with the earnings test withholdings.

Thank you for this detailed explanation! I'm still a bit confused about the earnings test though. If most or all of my survivor benefits would be withheld while I'm working, what's the advantage of claiming early? Would I get some kind of \

Based on your numbers, here's a strategic approach to consider:First, calculate exactly how much would be withheld under the earnings test:1. In 2025, earning $98,000 puts you $75,680 over the earnings limit ($98,000 - $22,320)2. This means approximately $37,840 in benefits would be withheld annually ($1 for every $2 over)3. With a reduced survivor benefit of about $2,288 monthly ($27,456 annually), all your benefits would indeed be withheldHowever, filing at 60 still makes mathematical sense because:1. When you reach FRA, SSA recalculates your benefit amount to credit you for months when benefits were withheld2. This effectively removes part of the early claiming reduction3. At FRA, you could continue receiving the adjusted survivor benefit4. Then at 70, you could switch to your own retirement benefit (approximately $3,410)This strategy maximizes your lifetime payout from Social Security because you're essentially getting \

Now I understand - so filing at 60 essentially \

my mom was in a similar situation when my dad died. she was 58 and still working. she waited till 60 to apply for survivor benefits but was still working full-time. she barely got any checks because of her income but the ssa person told her it was still smart to apply early. when she hit full retirement age they recalculated everything and she started getting the payments. she's planning to switch to her own benefit at 70.

It's helpful to hear about someone who actually went through this! Did your mom have any issues with the application process or recalculation at FRA?

I'm dealing with this exact situation right now. Applied for survivor benefits at 60 while still working ($82K salary). What nobody told me was how complicated the first year is with the earnings test. They use a monthly test rather than annual for the first year, so if you earn more than $1,860 in any month, you don't get benefits for that month. It's created a bookkeeping nightmare!

Oh, I hadn't heard about the monthly test for the first year! That does sound complicated to manage. Did you have to report your earnings monthly to SSA?

When my father passed and my mother was figuring out her survivor benefits while working, she had the hardest time getting clear answers from SSA on the phone. After weeks of frustration, she used Claimyr to connect with an SSA representative in about 15 minutes. They explained exactly how the earnings test would affect her benefits and confirmed that applying early would still benefit her long-term. Saved her hours of stress! Their website is claimyr.com and you can see a video of how it works here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puUFor your situation, the strategic advice others have given about applying at 60 even with full withholding, then switching to your own benefit at 70, is exactly what the SSA rep recommended to my mother.

Thank you for sharing this resource. I've been trying to get specific answers from SSA without much luck, so I'll definitely check out that service.

dont overthink this just take the money asap!! the government already has enough of our money, get whatever u can whenever u can. my husband died 2 yrs ago and i applied right at 60 even tho im still working.

But are you actually getting any payments with the earnings test? Original poster makes $98k so she'd have almost everything withheld I think.

I was in almost your exact situation two years ago. Here's what I learned from experience:1. Apply right at 60. Even though my benefits were completely withheld due to my salary, it established my claim.2. Keep careful documentation of your application and all correspondence with SSA. They sometimes make errors in calculating the earnings test withholding.3. You'll need to regularly report your expected earnings to SSA while working (typically annually).4. The recalculation at FRA isn't automatic - you need to contact SSA when you reach FRA to ensure they adjust your benefit amount properly.5. Most importantly, the strategy of taking survivor benefits (even if withheld) and then switching to your own retirement benefit at 70 can result in significantly more lifetime benefits compared to other claiming strategies.One other consideration: if you have minor or disabled children who were dependent on your husband, they may be eligible for benefits on his record as well.

Thank you for sharing your experience! I didn't realize I'd need to contact SSA at FRA for the recalculation - that's really important to know. Our children are adults now, so that part doesn't apply to my situation.

Thank you all for the helpful responses! I have one follow-up question: When I apply for survivor benefits, do I need to provide any special documentation beyond the basics (my husband's death certificate, our marriage certificate, etc.)? And would it be better to apply online or schedule an appointment at my local SSA office?

For survivor benefits, you'll need:1. Your husband's death certificate2. Your marriage certificate3. Your birth certificate 4. Your Social Security number and your husband's5. Your bank information for direct deposits6. Your W-2 forms or tax returns for the previous yearWhile you can start the application online, survivor benefits typically require an interview to complete the process. You can schedule this interview when you begin the online application. Having all documents ready in digital form will help streamline the process.I recommend calling SSA to schedule an appointment rather than walking in. The appointment can be by phone or in person, whichever you prefer.

One additional point to consider: the earnings test threshold changes in the year you reach Full Retirement Age. In the months of that year before your birthday, the 2025 threshold is higher ($59,520) and the withholding is less severe ($1 for every $3 above the limit).This means when you reach 67, you'll likely receive some survivor benefits for that partial year even with your current salary. Then after your FRA birthday, the earnings test disappears completely - you can earn any amount without reduction in benefits.Also, remember that the 28.5% reduction for claiming at 60 applies only to the survivor benefit. When you switch to your own retirement benefit at 70, you'll get the full 24% increase for delayed claiming based on your own work record. These are completely separate calculations.

That's helpful information about the FRA year having different rules. So it sounds like I might start seeing some actual payments that year even before my birthday. The separate calculations for survivor benefits vs. retirement benefits makes sense - thank you for clarifying that point.

Your children are indeed eligible for benefits on your ex-husband's record when he starts collecting retirement benefits. Here's how it works with your joint custody situation:1. The parent who has primary physical custody should file for the children's benefits. Even with 50/50 custody, SSA usually needs to designate one parent as the \

Thank you for this detailed explanation! So it sounds like I would likely be the representative payee since they're with me on school days, even though our custody is technically 50/50. Would I need to provide documentation of our custody arrangement when applying? And roughly how much might each child receive - is it really 50% of his benefit amount per child?

my sister went through this exact thing! her ex retired at 62 and she had to apply for her kids benefits. they each got about 30% of his benefit amount because of that family maximum thing. she had to take his award letter, the kids birth certificates, and their social security cards to her appointment. her ex didn't have to be involved at all once he gave her a copy of his award letter.

That's helpful to know that he doesn't need to be directly involved in the application. Did your sister have to document that she was the custodial parent? We don't have any documentation that states one of us is primary since we share custody equally.

Regarding the specific documentation and application process:1. You'll need to apply in person at your local SSA office for children's benefits (this cannot be done entirely online).2. Required documents include: - Children's birth certificates (originals, not copies) - Children's Social Security cards - Your divorce decree - Your custody agreement - Your ex-husband's Social Security number or his benefit award letter - Your identification3. For the custody situation, if your agreement truly shows 50/50 shared custody, SSA will look at other factors to determine the representative payee, including: - Who claims the children as dependents on tax returns - Who provides health insurance - Where the children attend school - The physical address used for school registration4. For benefit amounts, in 2025, each child could receive up to 50% of your ex's PIA (Primary Insurance Amount), but the family maximum will limit the total. With three children, they'll likely each receive around 30-33% of his benefit amount.

This is very helpful information about the documentation needed. We alternate claiming the children on taxes (I claim two one year, he claims two the next, then we switch). But I do provide their health insurance and they use my address for school registration, so it sounds like I would likely be designated as the representative payee.

My friend's children received benefits when her ex retired, and the big surprise was that her child support was reduced by almost the full amount of the Social Security benefits. The court viewed the SS benefits as essentially replacing part of the child support obligation. She ended up no better off financially, just getting money from SSA instead of her ex. Check with a family law attorney in your state about how this might impact your support arrangement.

That's an important point about the child support implications. Our divorce agreement doesn't specifically address what happens if Social Security benefits become available, so we'd probably need to consult with our attorneys about modifying the child support calculation.