SSI may be able to access comes down to three things: your age or disability status, your income, and your resources

To receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must meet all three requirements at the same time. You must be 65 or older, blind, or disabled. Your monthly income must fall below a certain limit — in 2024, that limit is $943 for an individual and $1,415 for a couple, though these amounts change yearly. You also cannot own more than $2,000 in countable resources if you are single, or $3,000 if you are married. The Social Security Administration (SSA) counts cash, bank accounts, stocks, and some other assets, but not your home or one vehicle.

SSI is a needs-based program, which means it exists to help people with very low income and few assets. This is different from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is based on your work history. You can receive both SSI and SSDI at the same time, but SSI will only pay you the difference between your SSDI amount and the SSI limit.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 65 or older, blind, or disabled to receive SSI; disability means you cannot work for at least 12 months or have a condition expected to result in death.
  • Your monthly income must be below $943 (individual) or $1,415 (couple) in 2024, and these limits increase slightly each year.
  • You cannot own more than $2,000 in countable resources as a single person or $3,000 as a couple; your home and one car do not count.
  • If you receive other income like SSDI, part-time work earnings, or family support, SSI will reduce your payment by most of that amount.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or certain categories of noncitizen, and you must live in one of the 50 states, Washington D.C., or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Age, blindness, and disability requirements

You are automatically may be able to access based on age if you are 65 or older. You do not need to prove you cannot work — age alone qualifies you, as long as your income and resources meet the limits.

If you are under 65, you must be blind or disabled. Blindness means your vision is 20/200 or worse in your better eye, even with glasses or contacts, or your field of vision is 20 degrees or less. Disability is defined more broadly: you must have a physical or mental condition that prevents you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The SSA does not require you to be unable to work at all — only that your condition prevents substantial work, which in 2024 means earning more than $1,550 per month (this amount changes yearly).

The SSA will review medical evidence, work history, and statements from your doctors to decide whether your condition meets their definition. This process can take several months. If you are denied, you can ask for reconsideration or appeal to an administrative law judge.

Income limits and how work affects your payment

SSI counts most income toward your limit. This includes wages from a job, self-employment income, Social Security benefits, pensions, unemployment benefits, and money from family members if it is meant to help you pay for food or shelter. However, the SSA excludes the first $65 of monthly earnings plus half of anything above that, and it does not count the first $20 of any other income in a month.

If you work part-time, these exclusions mean you can earn some money without losing your entire SSI payment. For example, if you earn $200 in a month, the SSA counts only $135 of it ($200 minus $65 exclusion, then half of the remaining $135). This counted income reduces your SSI payment dollar-for-dollar.

If you receive SSDI, SSI, or other benefits, the SSA will reduce your SSI payment by the amount of that other income. If your SSDI payment is $1,200 and the SSI limit is $943, you would receive no SSI payment because your SSDI alone exceeds the limit. If your SSDI is $800, SSI would pay you $143 to bring you to the limit.

Resource limits and what counts as an asset

The SSA counts cash, money in checking and savings accounts, stocks, bonds, and most other liquid assets toward your resource limit. It does not count your primary residence, one vehicle, household goods, personal effects, or life insurance with a face value under $1,500. Some states add a small amount to these federal limits, but most follow the federal rules: $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple.

If you own property beyond your home, it counts. If you have a second car, it counts. If you receive a lump-sum payment — from a lawsuit settlement, inheritance, or back pay — it counts immediately, and if it pushes you over the limit, you lose SSI until you spend it down. The SSA does allow a small grace period in some cases, but you should report any large payment right away to understand how it affects your benefits.

Some resources are excluded for a limited time. If you receive a tax refund or work incentive payment, you may have a grace period before it counts. If you receive a settlement from a personal injury case, part of it may be excluded. Ask the SSA about your specific situation before spending or giving away money.

Citizenship and residency requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen or a noncitizen in a category the SSA recognizes. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and certain other categories of noncitizens can receive SSI. Undocumented immigrants cannot. If you are not a citizen, you will need to provide proof of your immigration status when you apply.

You must also live in one of the 50 states, Washington D.C., or the U.S. Virgin Islands. If you move outside the United States, your SSI payments stop. If you plan to travel outside the country, tell the SSA before you leave so they understand you are not abandoning your residency.

How to start the process

You can apply for SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. When you apply, bring documents that prove your age (birth certificate), citizenship or immigration status (passport or green card), and income and resources (bank statements, pay stubs, lease or mortgage documents). If you are applying based on disability or blindness, bring medical records from your doctors.

The SSA will send you a notice telling you whether you are approved, denied, or need to provide more information. If you are approved, your first payment usually arrives within one to two months. If you are denied, the notice will explain why and tell you how to appeal.

Special situations and exceptions

If you are married, the SSA counts your spouse's income and resources toward your may be able to access, even if your spouse does not receive SSI. This is called "deemed income." If your spouse earns $500 a month and you earn $200, the SSA counts $700 toward your limit. Spouses can sometimes reduce deemed income by keeping separate finances, but the rules are complex — ask the SSA about your situation.

If you live with someone who pays for your food or shelter, the SSA may count part of that support as income to you. This is called "in-kind support and maintenance." If your parent pays your rent, the SSA may reduce your payment. The amount varies by state and situation, so report your living arrangement when you apply.

If you are in a nursing home or other institution, you may still receive SSI, but the payment is usually lower — often $30 to $50 per month. If Medicaid is paying for your care, SSI pays you a small amount for personal needs. When you leave the institution, your payment returns to the full amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive SSI if I own a home?

Yes. Your primary residence does not count toward the resource limit, no matter how much it is worth. If you own a second property or rental home, that counts. You can own your home outright or have a mortgage and still receive SSI.

What happens if my income goes up after I start receiving SSI?

Your SSI payment will decrease by most of the additional income. You must report any change in income within 10 days. If you do not report it and the SSA finds out later, you may have to repay the overpayment, though the SSA sometimes waives this if you did not cause the error.

Can I receive SSI if I am still working?

Yes, if your earnings are low enough. The SSA excludes the first $65 of your monthly earnings plus half of anything above that. Many people work part-time and receive SSI at the same time. Your total income — work plus any other benefits — must stay below the monthly limit.

Do I lose SSI if I go to jail or prison?

Your SSI stops if you are in jail or prison for more than one full calendar month. It resumes the month after you are released. You should tell the SSA if you are arrested so they can adjust your payments and you do not receive overpayments you will have to repay.

What if I inherit money or receive a large gift?

Any money you receive counts toward your resource limit immediately. If it pushes you over $2,000 (or $3,000 if married), you lose SSI until you spend it down below the limit. Report large gifts or inheritances to the SSA right away so you understand the impact on your benefits.