How Supplemental Security Income Is Calculated in West Virginia

While the federal government provides the same supplemental security income benefits across all states, it turns out that many states also provide additional additional supplementary payments to validated recipients. Unfortunately, SSI in West Virginia is not really supported, meaning applicants receive only the federal minimum if approved. In addition, West Virginia is one of the most difficult states to receive benefits in, as it approves claims at a rate far lower than the national average. Luckily, calculating your prospective supplemental security income isn’t as complex as it sounds, as it really only relies on three key factors: income, married status, and state.

Income

Before receiving the minimum $733 of SSI in West Virginia, the state will first remove any countable income from the payments. Countable income is comprised of money from limited work, free food or shelter, money from friends and family, and any other benefits that you might also be receiving. While that might seem like a lot, it’s worth noting that West Virginia, or any other state for that matter, won’t touch the first $65 earned from work each month, or benefits that come in the form of work stamps and nonprofit aid.

Married Status

If you and your spouse are both SSI recipients, then the payments are merged into one base total of $1,100. Otherwise, as previously mentioned, you will be entitled to the base $733. In addition, the Social Security Administration regularly adjusts the federal rate to keep it in line with any increases to the federally calculated cost of living.

State

For those not living in West Virginia, state-sponsored additions to SSI payments can range anywhere from $10 to $200. Although West Virginia doesn’t provide any additional SSI payments, they are still kept to the federal minimum.

While the process to apply for SSI payments is certainly rigorous, especially in West Virginia, calculating the payments isn’t as complicated as it sounds. As always though, it’s best to have an experienced attorney guide you through each step of the process, so that’s your fully prepared for each stage.