The Basic Rules for SSI may be able to access

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) goes to people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have very low income and few assets. You do not have to have worked to receive it. The Social Security Administration runs SSI, and the rules are the same everywhere in the country, though the monthly payment amount varies slightly by state.

SSI is different from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which requires a work history. You can receive SSI without ever having worked. The income and asset limits are strict: as of 2024, you can have no more than $2,000 in countable assets if you are single, or $3,000 if you are married and both spouses receive SSI.

Income limits also apply. The exact threshold depends on your state and household situation, but generally your monthly income must be very low — often under $1,000 per month for a single person, though some income is not counted. Your state may add money to the federal SSI payment, which can change the income limit.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 65 or older, blind, or disabled to receive SSI, and you must have income and assets below strict limits set by the Social Security Administration.
  • SSI does not require you to have worked, unlike SSDI, and the same federal rules apply in every state.
  • You can own a home and a car without them counting against your asset limit, but cash, bank accounts, and most other property do count.
  • The Social Security Administration will ask for documents proving your age, citizenship or legal residency, income, and assets before you can receive payments.

Age, Blindness, and Disability Requirements

You must fit into one of three categories. The first is straightforward: you are 65 years old or older. Age is verified through your birth certificate or passport.

The second category is blindness. The Social Security Administration defines this as vision of 20/200 or worse in your better eye with correction, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. An eye doctor's report is required to prove this.

The third category is disability. This is the most common reason people receive SSI. The Social Security Administration has a strict definition: you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The condition must be severe enough that you cannot do any work that exists in the national economy, not just the work you used to do. You will need medical records, test results, and statements from your doctors to prove this.

Income Limits and What Counts as Income

SSI has income limits, but not all money counts the same way. Your first $65 of monthly income is not counted, and half of any income you earn from work above that is also not counted. This means you can earn some money and still receive SSI, though your payment will be reduced.

Income that counts includes wages from a job, self-employment income, rental income, and money from pensions or annuities. Money from family members living with you may or may not count depending on whether they are legally responsible for you. Gifts and loans are usually not counted as income, though this can vary.

Income that does not count includes the first $20 of any income in a month, food and shelter you receive as a gift, and certain types of support like SNAP (food stamps) or housing vouchers. Some state and local benefits also do not count. The Social Security Administration publishes a full list, and you can ask them which specific income sources count in your situation.

Asset Limits and What Counts as Assets

You can have $2,000 in countable assets if you are single, or $3,000 if you are married and both receive SSI. These limits have not changed since 1989. Assets are things you own that have cash value.

Some assets do not count toward the limit. Your home does not count, no matter what it is worth. One vehicle does not count if it is used for transportation. Household goods and personal items do not count. Money set aside for burial expenses (up to $1,500 per person) does not count. Certain types of retirement accounts and education savings accounts also do not count under specific rules.

Assets that do count include bank accounts, cash, stocks, bonds, and property other than your home. If you are married and only one spouse receives SSI, the other spouse's assets may count depending on the situation. If you own a second vehicle or a second home, those count toward your limit.

Citizenship and Residency Requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to non-citizen to receive SSI. 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.

You must also be a resident of the United States. This means you live here and intend to stay. If you leave the country for more than 30 days, your SSI payments stop. If you return, you can restart payments, but there are rules about how long you can be gone.

To prove citizenship or residency, you will need documents like a birth certificate, passport, green card, or naturalization papers. If you are a non-citizen, you will need to show proof of your immigration status.

How to Start the Process

You can begin by contacting the Social Security Administration directly. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to speak with someone, or visit your local Social Security office in person. You can also start online at ssa.gov.

When you contact them, have ready your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or residency, and recent pay stubs or tax returns if you work. If you are applying based on disability or blindness, gather medical records and the names and addresses of doctors who have treated you.

The Social Security Administration will schedule an appointment with you, either in person or by phone. They will ask detailed questions about your income, assets, work history, and medical condition. The process usually takes several weeks to several months from start to decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive SSI if I own a house?

Yes. Your home does not count toward the $2,000 asset limit, no matter what it is worth. You can own a house and still receive SSI as long as your other assets and income meet the limits.

What happens to my SSI if I get a job?

Your SSI payment will be reduced, but you will likely still receive some money. The first $65 of your monthly earnings does not count, and half of earnings above that do not count either. You can work and receive SSI at the same time.

Can I receive SSI and SSDI at the same time?

No. If you are receiving SSDI, you cannot also receive SSI. However, if your SSDI payment is very low, you may be able to receive a small SSI payment to bring your total up to the SSI federal benefit rate.

Do I need to have worked to receive SSI?

No. SSI does not require any work history. This is the main difference between SSI and SSDI. You can receive SSI based on age, blindness, or disability even if you have never worked.

What if I receive money from family members?

Gifts from family members are usually not counted as income. However, if a family member is legally responsible for supporting you, the situation is more complex. Money they give you may be treated as support rather than a gift. Ask the Social Security Administration about your specific situation.