As a disability benefits expert, I have a deep understanding of the various programs and policies that exist to support individuals with disabilities. One such program is the Supplemental Security Income, or SSI. This is a federal program in the United States that provides financial assistance to adults and children who are disabled and have limited income and resources. It is a need-based program, which means that the amount a person may receive is pre-defined and is designed to help cover basic living expenses.

For the year 2017, the maximum amount that a person may receive for SSI disability is indeed $735 per month. However, it's important to note that this amount can vary depending on an individual's specific circumstances. The SSI payment is not a fixed sum and can be affected by several factors, including the individual's income and living arrangements.

The SSI program is designed to provide a safety net for those who are unable to work due to a disability. It is not intended to replace a full-time income, but rather to supplement it. The program takes into account the individual's countable income, which includes wages, Social Security benefits, and other forms of income. If an individual has earned income, this can reduce the SSI payment they receive. The reduction is calculated by subtracting the individual's income from the federal benefit rate, which was $735 for 2017.

It's also important to consider that the SSI payment can be reduced if an individual lives with someone who provides them with food and shelter. This is known as an in-kind support and maintenance, or ISM, arrangement. The value of the ISM is considered as income to the SSI recipient, and thus, it can affect the amount they receive.

In addition to the federal benefit rate, some states offer a state supplement to the SSI payment. This is known as the State Supplementary Payment, or SSP. The amount of the SSP varies by state and is intended to help cover additional living expenses that the federal SSI payment may not fully cover.

Eligibility for SSI is determined by the Social Security Administration, or SSA, and is based on a strict definition of disability. An individual must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that is expected to result in death or has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.

In conclusion, the SSI program is a vital resource for individuals with disabilities who have limited income and resources. While the maximum payment for 2017 was $735 per month, the actual amount an individual receives can be influenced by various factors, including earned income and living arrangements. It is always advisable for individuals to consult with a disability benefits expert or the SSA to understand their specific eligibility and payment amounts.

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It is not based on how severe your disability is or how much income you have. Most SSDI recipients receive between $700 and $1,700 per month (the average for 2018 is $1,197). However, if you are receiving disability payments from other sources, as discussed below, your payment may be reduced.read more >>