2009 SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) BENEFIT INFORMATION

SSI beneficiaries will receive a 5.8% cost of living increase for 2009. The new federal payment standard is $674/month for individuals and $1,011/month for couples. The federal payment standard is the base rate and is subject to adjustments for income as well as for food and shelter assistance received. Countable resource limits remain at $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple.

NEW AID & ATTENDANCE MAXIMUM PENSION AMOUNTS RELEASED

Effective December 1, 2008, the new maximum monthly pension amounts for recipients of Aid & Attendance, awarded through the Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans or their surviving spouses who meet service, medical, and financial eligibility requirements are as follows:

• Single Veteran: $1,644
• Married Veteran: $1,949
• Surviving Spouse: $1,056
• Dual Veteran/Dual Eligible Couple: $2,540