Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a government program in the United States that provides financial support to people aged 65 and older or those with disabilities. The aim is to help these individuals cope with the rising cost of living. However, there are specific limits on how much you can earn each month while still being eligible for SSI. Let’s break down the income limits for SSI eligibility in 2025 and how it works.
What Counts as Income for SSI?
When determining SSI eligibility, the Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at various types of income, including wages, benefits, pensions, as well as housing and food. If you earn too much, you will not qualify for SSI, as the SSA needs to ensure its budget is used effectively.
However, there are some exceptions to the income limits. Certain benefits like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), rent rebates, property tax refunds, Section 8 housing vouchers, and State SSI supplement payments do not count towards the income limit. There are also exceptions for expenses related to blindness or disabilities.
Additionally, your home and the land it sits on, one vehicle, most personal belongings and household goods, and properties that are unsellable or unusable are not considered when calculating your income for SSI purposes.
SSI Income Limits for 2025
For Individuals:
In 2025, individuals can qualify for SSI as long as their earnings from a job do not exceed $2,020 per month before taxes and deductions. If you receive non-work income, such as pensions or unemployment benefits, your total income should not be more than $988 per month.
For Married Couples:
Married couples who live together and file jointly can still receive SSI if they earn no more than $2,985 combined from work each month. Additionally, their non-work income should be under $1,471 per month.
Resource Limits:
SSI also has resource limits, which are the things you own, like cash, bank accounts, and property. For individuals, the resource limit is $2,000, and for couples, it is $3,000. If you’re applying for SSI on behalf of a child, these limits increase by $2,000.
Additional Information for Younger Applicants
While most SSI applicants are 65 and older, younger people with disabilities can also apply. To qualify, they must meet certain conditions:
- If you are under 65, you can still apply for SSI, but you must earn no more than $1,549 per month at the time of your application.
- You must have a disability that prevents you from working for a year or more, or that will result in death. For children, the disability policy is more relaxed, focusing on conditions that severely limit daily activities.
Important Considerations
- Income from Social Security or Unemployment Benefits: SSI takes into account all forms of income, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), unemployment benefits, and pensions. These types of income reduce the amount of SSI you can receive.
- Additional Income: Even if your earned income exceeds the limit, you may still qualify for SSI benefits if your other income or resources are low enough.
- Exclusions: As mentioned, certain income sources and assets do not count toward the SSI income limits. This includes things like SNAP benefits, Section 8 housing assistance, and property tax refunds.
Summary
In 2025, to qualify for SSI, you must ensure your monthly income from work does not exceed $2,020 (for individuals) and $2,985 (for married couples). Non-work income limits are $988 for individuals and $1,471 for couples.
There are exceptions for various types of income and resources, like SNAP benefits, housing assistance, and property tax rebates. For younger applicants, there are additional criteria, including income limits and the requirement for a long-term disability.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and stay within the income and resource limits, SSI can provide vital support to cover your basic living costs.
Disclaimer: This article has been meticulously fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy and uphold transparency. We strive to deliver trustworthy and dependable content to our readers.
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