Benefits Planning Assistance and Outreach Programs (BPAO) are now Work Incentive Planning and Assistance Programs (WIPA) Social Security Announces Cost-of-Living Adjustment for 2008 Social Security and SSI beneficiaries will receive a 2.3% increase in benefits for 2008. For Year 2008 SSI SSI Federal Benefit Rate per month for an individual is $634. For an eligible couple the rate is $956. The Student Earned Income Exclusion increases to $1,550 per month up to $6,240 per year. SSDI The 2008 trigger amount for a Trial Work Period month is $670 gross income per month. Substantial Gainful Activity for non-blind is $940 per month and for blind individuals it increases to $1,570 per month. Medicare Part B premimum for 2008 is $96.40