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

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. 

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Additional Resources

• What Conditions Automatically Qualify You for Disability
• What Medical Conditions Qualify for Social Security Disability
• Signs That You Will Be Approved For Disability
• Disability Lawyers Near Me
• What Is SSDI
• Difference Between SSI and SSDI
• What Eye Problems Qualify for Disability?
• Chances of Getting Disability for Arthritis
• How Long Does it Take to Get Disability Approval Letter
• Is Neuropathy A Disability
• Is Arthritis A Disability