If you’re thinking about applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may have heard that there are strict income and asset limits.
And it’s true — SSI is a needs-based program, meaning it’s only for people who have very limited financial resources.
In this post, we’ll explain exactly what the income and asset rules are, how Social Security counts your money and property, and what you can do if you’re close to the limits.
What Is SSI?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to people who are:
- Disabled, blind, or age 65 or older, and
- Have very limited income and assets
✅ You don’t need a work history to qualify for SSI — but you do have to meet strict financial rules.
SSI Income Limits (2025)
In 2025, the maximum federal SSI payment is about:
- $943 per month for individuals
- $1,415 per month for couples
But here’s the catch:
Social Security reduces your SSI payment dollar-for-dollar based on most of your income.
✅ General rule:
If your countable income is more than the SSI federal benefit rate, you won’t qualify for SSI.
What Counts as Income for SSI?
SSA looks at all sources of income, including:
- Earned income (wages from work, self-employment)
- Unearned income (Social Security benefits, pensions, unemployment)
- In-kind support (help with food or housing from family or friends)
✅ Good news:
- The first $20 of most income is excluded.
- The first $65 of earned income plus half of any earned income after that is excluded.
✅ Example:
If you earn $500 from a part-time job:
- SSA ignores the first $65
- Then cuts the remaining $435 in half
- Only $217.50 counts against your SSI payment
SSI Asset (Resource) Limits
In addition to income rules, SSI has strict asset limits.
To qualify, your countable resources must be:
- $2,000 or less for an individual
- $3,000 or less for a married couple
What Counts as an Asset?
Countable resources include things like:
- Bank accounts
- Cash on hand
- Stocks and bonds
- Property (other than where you live)
- Certain life insurance policies
✅ Exempt resources (not counted) include:
- Your primary home
- One vehicle (in most cases)
- Personal belongings and household items
- Burial plots and some burial funds
- ABLE accounts (for people with disabilities)
✅ Important:
If your resources are even slightly over the limit — even by $1 — you can be denied SSI.
What Happens If You Go Over the Limits?
If your income or assets go over the limits:
- Your SSI payments can be reduced, or
- You can lose SSI benefits altogether
✅ Always report any changes in income, bank accounts, gifts, or living arrangements to Social Security right away to avoid overpayments or penalties.
Final Thoughts
Getting SSI benefits is possible — but you must meet very strict income and asset rules.
Social Security will review your finances carefully, so it’s important to:
- Know what counts as income and resources
- Keep your bank account balances low
- Report changes quickly
- Get help if you’re unsure about your eligibility
If you think you’re close to the limits or need help figuring it out, it’s a good idea to talk to a disability advocate or attorney. They can help you avoid mistakes and keep your SSI benefits on track.