Which States Have the Highest Disability Benefit Programs to Supplement Social Security Disability?

Submitted by Shane on

The onset of a serious long-term or permanent disability often leads to severe financial hardship for the afflicted individual and his or her family.

While the disability benefits that are offered by the Social Security Administration through its Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), also known as Title XVI benefits, aren't always enough to make ends meet, some states offer supplemental disability benefits to help those who are in a financial bind due to a disabling condition.

Understanding which states offer the highest disability benefit programs, and what options may be available from the state in which you reside, can be quite confusing.

To qualify for disability benefits, you will need to meet a Blue Book listing as well as meet financial or work requirements. 

You may be able to get state supplement benefits to go alongside SSI benefits The information contained in this article will provide some insight into which states offer the highest disability programs to supplement a disabled worker's Social Security Disability payments.

To understand which states offer the best disability benefit programs, you should first be aware that some states do not offer any supplementary funds to the funds that are provided by the federal government in the form of SSDI or SSI payments. These states include Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

Of the states that do offer supplements to Social Security Disability benefits, there are a few that offer somewhat higher-than-average benefit payment amounts. These states are outlined below. Individual payment amounts will vary depending on a claimant’s specific living situation, household income, and any cost of living adjustments. The amount of supplemental benefits in each state is as follows:

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SSI Payment Amounts by State

For 2023, The maximum federal SSI amount is $943/month for an individual on SSI (up from $914/month in 2023), $1,415/month for a couple on SSI (up from $1,371/month in 2023), and $472/month for an essential person. There are some states that provide additional benefits to residents, which are additional benefits added on top of what you are receiving federally from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Not every state provides additional benefits to residents already on SSI and those states that do provide additional SSI payments to those receiving SSI federally are not available to everyone on SSI.

For example, if you lived in a state that provides additional benefits to those on SSI, it might only be available if you have a disability, and you live in a long-term care facility.

You may be able to get state supplement benefits to go alongside SSI benefits If you are awarded SSI from the federal government, you should check to see if your state offers additional benefits to those on SSI benefits. If you do live in one of those states, then you may want to apply with the state governing body that administers those additional benefits.

Some states for example, like Florida and Colorado administer the additional benefits themselves, so if you are receiving SSI benefits and you live in one of those states, you might get a separate payment alongside your SSI benefits.

Other states like California and Michigan, the additional benefits are administered by the SSA, so if you live in one of those states, you may receive both federal and additional state benefits in one monthly payment. Use our Social Security Benefits Calculator to see how much you could be able to earn in disability benefits.

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States That Payout the Most in SSI Benefits

By comparing the cost of living to the maximum SSI benefit in each state, South Dakota came in as being the state where SSI disability benefits are worth the most. In South Dakota, SSI benefits are worth just under 33% of the state's living wage.  

Beyond South Dakota, there are five states that, on average, pay more for SSI benefits than others. The highest-paying states for SSI benefits as of 2022 were New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, New Hampshire, and Maryland. 

The average disability benefit per month for 2022 for an individual on SSI benefits was $841 per month. Individuals on SSI in New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, New Hampshire, and Maryland may earn more than the average worker on SSI. The breakout for those states is as followed:

  • New Jersey: $1,689 per month
  • Connecticut: $1,685 per month
  • Delaware: $1,659 per month
  • New Hampshire: $1,644 per month
  • Maryland: $1,624 per month

There are a couple of reasons why these states pay more for SSI than the rest of the country, in New Jersey, the higher number could be reflected the higher average income of residents of those states. New Jersey and Maryland are in the top 3 of median household income in the United States.

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State Payment Amounts

Alaska

An Alaska resident may receive up to $362 per month/individual and $528 per month/couple in addition to the benefits provided to them by the Social Security Administration.

California

A California resident may receive between $20 and $412 per month in addition to the benefits provided to them by the Social Security Administration.

Idaho

An Idaho resident may receive between $52 and $473 per month in addition to the benefits provided to them by the Social Security Administration.

Iowa

An Iowa resident may receive between $22 and $480.55 per month in addition to the benefits provided to them by the Social Security Administration.

Kentucky

A Kentucky resident may receive between $65 and $520 per month in addition to the benefits provided to them by the Social Security Administration.

Nevada

A Nevada resident may receive between $24.27 and $391 per month in addition to the benefits provided to them by the Social Security Administration.

New Jersey

A New Jersey resident may receive between $10 and $363.36 per month in addition to the benefits provided to them by the Social Security Administration.

New York

A New York resident may receive between $23 and $694 per month in addition to the benefits provided to them by the Social Security Administration.

North Carolina

A North Carolina resident may receive between $97 and $887 per month in addition to the benefits provided to them by the Social Security Administration.

Vermont

A Vermont resident may receive between $48.38 and $223.94 per month in addition to the benefits provided to them by the Social Security Administration.

Wisconsin

A Wisconsin resident may receive between $83.78 and $179.77 per month in addition to the benefits provided to them by the Social Security Administration.

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You could be entitled to $3,822 Per Month! Get a Free Case Evaluation

As mentioned, the exact amount received in any state will depend on your household income, your living arrangements (whether you live alone, with a family member, in an assisted living facility, etc.), and other qualifying criteria.

You may be able to get state supplement benefits to go alongside SSI benefits It is important to note that individuals who may not qualify for additional cash benefits due to the lack of supplemental income provided by their state may still qualify for other benefits, such as SNAP (formerly food stamps) and Medicaid coverage.

If you or somebody in your family suffers from a serious disabling condition, you should contact the human services agency available in your state to determine exactly what benefits you may qualify for in addition to the federal assistance you receive in the form of SSI or SSDI. 

If you think you will be out of work for at least 12 months, you may be able to qualify for disability benefits. In fact, this is one of the most important signs your disability claim will be approved. Talk to a Social Security lawyer or disability advocate Get a free evaluation today.

Curious what conditions automatically qualify you for disability? Click here to find out.

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Additional Resources

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Blog comments

Anonymous (not verified)

Why two different income; $83

Why two different income; $83.78 and the 179.77? Why some people qualify for the $179.77 and some not?

Wed, 12/27/2017 - 21:00 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
It may vary based on certain criteria, you may want to contact the office in your state that handles supplemental income.

Tue, 01/02/2018 - 13:32 Permalink
Kathy (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

Who do i contact to find out

Who do i contact to find out why i am only getting 83.78 instead of 179.99

Tue, 04/23/2019 - 10:13 Permalink
Ann Lei (not verified)

I'm moving from

I'm moving from Mississippi to California and I am already receiving disability for my son and I am also, when we move to California would our disability go up or remain the same?

Tue, 04/24/2018 - 21:01 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Ann Lei (not verified)

Hi Ann,

Hi Ann,

Social Security is a federal program not a state program so it should not change when you move.

Wed, 04/25/2018 - 16:49 Permalink
Sarah (not verified)

In reply to by Ann Lei (not verified)

Benefits are higher in Cali.

Benefits are higher in Cali. My father in law gets 920 right now and my hubby only gets 750 in Oregon. But we get food stamps to and my father in law doesn't

Fri, 12/14/2018 - 02:26 Permalink
Theresa Jackson (not verified)

I live in Michigan would my

I live in Michigan would my Monthly payments stay the same. I I receive disability at this time

Tue, 05/08/2018 - 15:28 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Theresa Jackson (not verified)

Hi Theresa,

Hi Theresa,

Social Security benefits are a federal program, not a state program so the amount you are granted remains the same from state to state.

Tue, 05/08/2018 - 17:06 Permalink
John McBride (not verified)

Is North Carolina where one

Is North Carolina where one gets the most amount in state supplement?
Could there be a way to find out how much I'd get if I went there?
I get more in CA than most other states.

Sun, 05/13/2018 - 00:05 Permalink
bem

In reply to by John McBride (not verified)

Hi John,

Hi John,

North Carolina does offer some of the highest state supplements. This supplement varies based on individual circumstances, so it would be best to contact the state office if you have more specific questions.

Tue, 05/15/2018 - 09:12 Permalink
Melissa Reamy (not verified)

I'm moving from Alabama

I'm moving from Alabama to Mississippi and I already draw SSI how much would I get in Mississippi on SSI?

Sun, 05/13/2018 - 15:04 Permalink
Brenda (not verified)

I receive said benefits for

I receive said benefits for myself and I have a teenage son if I move to another state will my benefits go up or remain the same

Thu, 06/07/2018 - 10:07 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Brenda (not verified)

Hi Brenda,

Hi Brenda,

Social Security disability benefits are a federal program so, they remain the same no matter what state you live in.

Mon, 07/23/2018 - 16:54 Permalink
Patricia (not verified)

I'm moving from Detroit

I'm moving from Detroit Michigan to South Carolina will my benefits get cut or I'll get more

Tue, 08/21/2018 - 14:21 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Patricia (not verified)

Hi Patricia,

Hi Patricia,

Your benefits will not be affected at all because the SSA is a federal and not a state program. You should notify the SSA of any address change though.

Tue, 08/21/2018 - 17:24 Permalink
Carroll (not verified)

In reply to by Eric

Not true some states could

Not true some states could give you up to $800 more a month

Thu, 12/13/2018 - 14:59 Permalink
Helen (not verified)

I currently live in Ohio. SSI

I currently live in Ohio. SSI is my only income. Would I lose my SSI if I move to Puerto Rico? If so are there other income sources available to me?

Tue, 09/25/2018 - 23:08 Permalink
Teresa Aaron (not verified)

If I move from Texas to

If I move from Texas to Michigan would my benefit amount stay the same?

Tue, 10/16/2018 - 12:56 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Teresa Aaron (not verified)

Hi Teresa,

Hi Teresa,

Your benefits will stay the same if you move to state. However, you should notify the SSA when you do change your address. Just so they have the most up to date information regarding your case.

Tue, 10/16/2018 - 16:18 Permalink
Gennie E schroeder (not verified)

I want to move to Kansas.

I want to move to Kansas.
How much will I receive in disability if I move there from Florida

Thu, 10/25/2018 - 12:01 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Gennie E schroeder (not verified)

Hi Gennie,

Hi Gennie,

If you are currently on SSDI or SSI benefits, your payments won't be affected if you move state to state.

Thu, 10/25/2018 - 16:44 Permalink
Debra (not verified)

I am looking to move from

I am looking to move from Ohio to Georgia,I'm currently on disability in Ohio, will moving to Georgia help me.Ohio really has nothing to offer.

Sat, 12/22/2018 - 13:34 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Debra (not verified)

Hi Debra,

Hi Debra,

In terms of SSDI beenfits, no simply because it is a federal program and not a state one.

Fri, 12/28/2018 - 11:50 Permalink
Mike Willims (not verified)

I have SSI moving from NJ to

I have SSI moving from NJ to SC will it get cut

Fri, 12/28/2018 - 00:22 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Mike Willims (not verified)

Hi Mike,

Hi Mike,

It won't be cut because you are moving to another state. You should still notify the SSA of any address change.

Fri, 12/28/2018 - 11:49 Permalink
Jeannie Coleman (not verified)

If i marry my long time

If i marry my long time partner of 23 years and I am 69 and he draws ssdi and is 59 will i recieve benefit from his income

Thu, 01/17/2019 - 09:40 Permalink
Michael B (not verified)

I'm 48, former USMC and

I'm 48, former USMC and former firefighter. I have chronic health issues related to all. Pancreatitis and liver issues
Neck back and hips
Knees
Sinuses
Hearing loss
I started working in 1985. Last day I recently worked was Feb 2019.
I've had a total of about 6 years on/off unemployment.
I live in CO.
How much can I make if can get SSDI? I can no longer hold down a job so it's this is or.....

Sun, 05/05/2019 - 17:01 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Michael B (not verified)

Hi Micheal,

Hi Micheal,

The amount you may be awarded varies on a case to case basis! You likely have enough work credits if you were paying into Social Security while working and you can check the SSA's Blue Book to see if the conditions you are experiencing meet the qualifications!

Mon, 05/06/2019 - 15:36 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

My husband is on disability,

My husband is on disability, and I have applied for disability. Is there a Max limit on what we are allowed to receive each month between the two of us? Would his benefits be cut if I was to receive full disability.

Tue, 08/27/2019 - 11:10 Permalink
mts

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi,

Hi,

Disability Benefits are based on each individuals work and medical history. Therefore if you are approved, this should not have an affect on the benefits that he receives.

Tue, 08/27/2019 - 16:47 Permalink
Liza Coats (not verified)

I am moving from California

I am moving from California to Texas. I was told even though I have SSA & SDI in Cali. I could take as big a hit as $120 a month less moving to Texas?

Tue, 10/01/2019 - 21:53 Permalink
CM

In reply to by Liza Coats (not verified)

Hi Liza,

Hi Liza,

It shouldn't be less because you are moving to Texas. You should still notify the SSA of any address change.

Fri, 10/11/2019 - 10:59 Permalink
Lisa Shenberger (not verified)

I wanted to know how I go

I wanted to know how I go about what ssd and ssi payments would be affected if we move from Pennsylvania to South Carolina. We both receive food stamps and Medicaid. Would what we receive change or stay the same? Who do I contact to find out about relocating?

Sun, 10/06/2019 - 20:02 Permalink
CM

In reply to by Lisa Shenberger (not verified)

Hi Lisa,

Hi Lisa,

Your SSI benefits should not change because you are moving to another state. You should notify the SSA of any address change. 1 (800) 772-1213

Fri, 10/11/2019 - 11:01 Permalink
CM

In reply to by Lisa Shenberger (not verified)

Hi Lisa,

Hi Lisa,

Your SSI benefits should not change because you are moving to another state. You should notify the SSA of any address change. 1 (800) 772-1213

Fri, 10/11/2019 - 11:02 Permalink
Rick (not verified)

If I move out of the Country

If I move out of the Country will my social Security change ?

Wed, 11/13/2019 - 10:03 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Rick (not verified)

Hi Rick,

Hi Rick,

It varies depending on what type of benefits you're receiving, where you're moving to and how long you plan to live out of the country. Because there are so many different variables, your best bet would be to call the SSA or visit your local SSA office (make an appointment first). You call them both t ask and make an appointment at 1-800-772-1213.

Wed, 11/13/2019 - 16:55 Permalink
Lucretia pate (not verified)

I don’t see Virginia on there

I don’t see Virginia on there why is that

Sun, 12/01/2019 - 22:15 Permalink
mts

In reply to by Lucretia pate (not verified)

Hi,

Hi,

The states listed are those that offer somewhat higher benefits due to additional supplements. You can expect Virginia to have benefits that fall in line with the average.

Tue, 12/03/2019 - 15:46 Permalink
Janine (not verified)

Is Supplemental disability

Is Supplemental disability benefit the same as SSDI? What I know as social Security disability insurance.

Mon, 01/20/2020 - 09:28 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Janine (not verified)

Hi Janine,

Hi Janine,

There are two types of benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI, sometimes informally referred to as SSD), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Though they have the same medical requirements, SSDI requires a specific amount of work credits while SSI requires you are under a specific income limit.

Thu, 02/13/2020 - 12:18 Permalink
Sandy (not verified)

I receive federal and state

I receive federal and state ssi, and also social security income for disability in wisconsin. If I move to florida, will this change? Thank you!

Fri, 04/10/2020 - 03:13 Permalink
Melanie Trujillo (not verified)

I have a payee. My bank card

I have a payee. My bank card got lost I received a new one. Do I have to call social security to give them new card number. Also will I still get the corn 19 check in same bank?

Mon, 04/20/2020 - 22:23 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Melanie Trujillo (not verified)

Hi Melanie,

Hi Melanie,

I would call the SSA to have your account information changed. As for the stimulus check, I do not know the specific around it.

Fri, 05/01/2020 - 15:08 Permalink
Sam SSI (not verified)

Will my benefits go up if I

Will my benefits go up if I move to another state? I currently live in Indiana

Sun, 07/12/2020 - 13:28 Permalink
rsg

In reply to by Sam SSI (not verified)

Hi Sam,

Hi Sam,

Your SSI benefit amount may change depending on the cost of living in the state you move to.

Fri, 07/17/2020 - 14:30 Permalink
David Flikki (not verified)

I'm thinking of moving

I'm thinking of moving to Iowa from California in the near future. Will my SSI disability benefits change?

Wed, 07/15/2020 - 17:03 Permalink

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