Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program. To qualify, you must have limited income and limited resources in addition to meeting the medical disability standard. Many people are surprised to learn that not everything counts against these limits.
2024 Resource Limits
You cannot have more than $2,000 in countable resources as an individual, or $3,000 as a couple. These limits have not changed in decades and are not adjusted for inflation.
- Countable resources include: cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and most property you own other than your home
- Excluded resources include: your primary home (regardless of value), one vehicle used for transportation, household goods and personal effects, and life insurance with a face value of $1,500 or less
- Burial funds up to $1,500 per person are also excluded
2024 Income Limits
The federal benefit rate (FBR) for 2024 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. SSA subtracts your countable income from the FBR to determine your monthly payment. If your countable income equals or exceeds the FBR, you receive no SSI payment.
What Does Not Count as Income
SSA excludes certain types of income from the calculation:
- The first $20 of most income received in a month (general income exclusion)
- The first $65 of earned income, plus half of remaining earned income
- Food stamps (SNAP benefits)
- Most home energy assistance
- Irregular or infrequent income under $20 per month
Deeming Rules for Married Couples and Children
If you live with a spouse who is not disabled, SSA may count a portion of their income toward your limit — this is called "deeming." The same applies to children under 18 living with parents. Deeming rules are complex and worth reviewing carefully if this applies to your situation.