Is There a Difference in Social Security Disability Benefits From State to State?

If you become permanently disabled and unable to support yourself, Social Security disability benefits can help you make ends meet. Because the Social Security Administration, a national organization, administers the Social Security Disability program, benefit amounts don't differ from one state to another. However, some other subtle differences do exist.

Similarities

Regardless of your state of residence, the requirements you must meet to receive Social Security disability payments are the same. You must be completely and permanently disabled, and you must have worked for a minimum amount of time. Likewise, the amount of benefits you receive each month will be the same in any state. SSA will calculate the exact amount of your monthly payment based on your average lifetime earnings.

State Disability Assistance

In some states, recipients of Social Security disability can apply for additional compensation from state disability programs. The requirements for these programs are not the same as the requirements for federally funded disability benefits. However, it is sometimes possible to qualify for state disability benefits even if you didn't qualify for disability benefits from SSA. The amount of money you will receive under state-sponsored disability programs varies.

Additional SSI

Supplemental Security Income is available to disabled individuals who are over age 65 or have limited income. In some states, residents who qualify for SSI may also receive supplemental benefits from the state. The amount of benefits you receive may vary according to the cost of living in your area, your assets and your household income. While some recipients earn as much as $200 or more in state-sponsored SSI, others may receive only $5.

Taxes

If you earn more than $25,000 per year as a single filer or $32,000 as a joint filer, you may owe federal income tax on your Social Security benefits. However, while some states will also tax you on this income, others will allow you to exclude it when you file your return. At the time of publication, Social Security disability benefits are taxable only in Utah, Montana, Colorado, New Mexico, North Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, West Virginia, Vermont, Connecticut and Rhode Island.