SSI goes to people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled — and who have very little income and assets

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal cash program run by the Social Security Administration. To receive it, you must meet three separate tests: an age, blindness, or disability test; an income test; and an assets test. Most people think only about disability, but SSI also serves seniors and people who are blind. The income and assets limits are strict — in 2024, your monthly income must generally be under $943 for an individual, and you can own no more than $2,000 in countable assets.

SSI is different from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSDI is based on your work history; SSI is based on financial need. You can receive both, but they are separate programs with separate rules. This guide focuses on SSI only.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 65 or older, blind, or disabled to receive SSI — and you must also meet strict income and assets limits.
  • Your countable monthly income must be under $943 for an individual (amounts vary slightly by state and change yearly), and you can own no more than $2,000 in countable assets.
  • Some income does not count toward the limit — for example, the first $65 of monthly earnings and certain food and shelter assistance are excluded.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or certain categories of non-citizen, and you must live in one of the 50 states, Washington D.C., or the Northern Mariana Islands.
  • If you are disabled or blind, the Social Security Administration will review medical evidence to determine whether you meet their definition of disability.

Age, Blindness, or Disability: The First Test

You must fall into at least one of three categories. The simplest is age: if you are 65 or older, you meet this part of the test. You do not need to prove anything medical.

If you are under 65, you must be either blind or disabled according to Social Security's definition. Blindness means your vision is 20/200 or worse in your better eye with correction, or your visual field is 20 degrees or less. Disability means you have a medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Social Security uses a five-step process to evaluate disability claims, looking at your work history, the severity of your condition, and whether you can do any other work.

The disability definition is narrow. Having a diagnosis is not enough — Social Security must find that the condition limits what you can do. They will ask for medical records, test results, and statements from your doctors. If you are denied, you can request reconsideration or a hearing before an administrative law judge.

Income Limits and What Counts

Your countable monthly income must stay below the federal limit. In 2024, that limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple, though some states add their own money and may have slightly different limits. The limit changes each year with inflation.

Not all income counts. The first $65 of your monthly earnings from work, plus half of anything above that, is excluded. So if you earn $200 a month, only $100 counts toward your limit. Certain benefits also do not count: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, housing assistance, energy assistance, and some other support do not reduce your SSI payment. Gifts and loans from family members do not count as income, though they may count as assets if you keep them.

Unearned income — Social Security benefits, pensions, unemployment, child support — counts dollar for dollar. If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and SSI at the same time, your SSDI payment counts as income and reduces your SSI payment. Some states have programs that let you keep more income and still receive SSI; ask the Social Security office in your state.

Assets: The $2,000 Limit

You can own no more than $2,000 in countable assets as an individual, or $3,000 as a couple. This limit has not changed since 1989. Assets include cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and property you own beyond your home. Your primary home and one vehicle do not count, no matter their value.

Some assets are excluded entirely. Household goods and personal effects do not count. A vehicle used for transportation does not count. Life insurance with a face value under $1,500 does not count. Certain retirement accounts and work incentive accounts may be excluded if you are working or planning to work. If you receive a lump sum — an inheritance, a legal settlement, a tax refund — you have a limited time to spend it down before it affects your SSI. Ask Social Security how long you have and what counts as a permitted use.

Assets are checked at the time you apply and periodically afterward. If you go over the limit, you become ineligible until your assets fall back below it. This is different from income, which is checked monthly.

Citizenship and Residency Requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to non-citizen. may have access to non-citizens include lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and certain other categories defined by federal law. Undocumented immigrants cannot receive SSI. If you are not a citizen, bring your immigration documents when you apply.

You must live in one of the 50 states, Washington D.C., or the Northern Mariana Islands. You cannot receive SSI if you live outside the United States, though you may be able to receive it again if you return and reapply. If you plan to travel outside the U.S. for more than 30 days, tell Social Security before you go.

How Social Security Evaluates Your Application

When you apply, Social Security will verify your age, citizenship, and residency through documents you provide — a birth certificate, passport or green card, and proof of where you live. They will check your income and assets by asking you questions and requesting bank statements, tax returns, and benefit letters.

If you claim disability or blindness, Social Security will order medical records from your doctors and may send you to a doctor they choose for an examination. They will also look at your work history and ask what you can and cannot do. This process takes time — often several months. If you are denied, you receive a written explanation of why and information about how to appeal.

Once you are approved, Social Security sends you a payment each month. Your case is reviewed periodically to make sure you still meet the rules. If your income or assets change, or if your medical condition improves, you must report it to Social Security.

Special Rules for Students and Young People

If you are under 22 and a full-time student, certain income exclusions apply. The first $2,230 of your monthly earnings (in 2024) does not count if you are a student. This amount changes yearly. You must be attending school regularly and pursuing a course of study.

If you are a child receiving SSI based on your parents' income and assets (not your own), different rules apply. Your parents' income and assets are "deemed" to you, meaning Social Security counts part of them as yours. Once you turn 18, deeming stops and only your own income and assets count. This can mean a big change in your SSI payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive SSI if I am working?

Yes. Work incentives let you keep some earnings without losing SSI. The first $65 of monthly earnings plus half of the rest does not count. Some states have additional work incentive programs. If you earn enough to go over the income limit, you become ineligible, but you can reapply when your income drops back down.

What happens if I inherit money or receive a settlement?

Lump sums count as assets. If the amount puts you over $2,000, you become ineligible until you spend it down. Social Security may give you time to use the money for permitted purposes like home repairs or medical care. Contact Social Security immediately when you receive a lump sum to ask about your options.

Can I receive SSI if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Only if you are a may have access to non-citizen — a lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or certain other categories. Undocumented immigrants cannot receive SSI. Bring your immigration documents when you apply so Social Security can verify your status.

Does my spouse's income count if we are married?

Yes. If you are married, Social Security counts your spouse's income and assets along with yours. The income limit for a couple is higher than for an individual, but both of your incomes are combined. If you are separated or divorced, only your own income and assets count.

What if I was denied SSI — can I appeal?

Yes. You have 60 days from the denial letter to request reconsideration. Social Security will review your case again. If you are denied again, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Many people win on appeal, especially if they provide new medical evidence or correct information Social Security missed the first time.