The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, run by the Social Security Administration (SSA), provides financial assistance to elderly, blind or disabled individuals with limited income and resources. SSI is intended to help people who are financially vulnerable, but meet certain income and resource limits to qualify for the program. However, the SSA has announced some exceptions to these limits, which will prevent certain assets and income from being considered in eligibility determinations.
Understanding SSI Income and Resource Limits
For 2025, the SSI eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Income Limits: Individual: Monthly income less than $987.
- Couple (spouse): Monthly income less than $1,450.
- Resource Limits: Individual: Resources not exceeding $2,000.
- Couple (spouse): Resources not exceeding $3,000.
- Note: Income includes wages, pensions and Social Security benefits, while resources include assets such as bank accounts and additional vehicles.
Exceptions to Income Limits
The SSA does not count certain types of income when determining SSI eligibility. Major exceptions include:
- State SSI supplemental payments: Additional payments made to SSI recipients by some states.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Formerly known as food stamps, these benefits do not count.
- Section 8 housing vouchers: Housing assistance does not count as income.
- Rent rebate or property tax refunds: Refunds related to housing costs are excluded.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Financial assistance from TANF is not included.
- Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE): For individuals with disabilities, certain work-related expenses are excluded.
- Blind Work Expenses (BWE): Special work-related expenses for blind individuals are not counted.
Exceptions to the Resource Limits
Certain resources are not included in the SSI eligibility determination:
- Principal residence: Your home and the land it sits on are not counted as resources.
- One vehicle: One vehicle per household is excluded, regardless of value.
- Personal effects and household goods: Most personal clothing and household goods are not counted as resources.
- Property that cannot be sold or used: Assets that cannot be converted into cash are excluded.
State variations in income limits
Some states may have higher SSI income limits due to higher standards of living and inflation. If you live in these states, you may be eligible under the higher income limits:
- Arkansas
- California
- Delaware
- Washington, D.C.
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Vermont
Summary of SSI Income and Resource Exceptions
| Category | Exceptions |
|---|---|
| Income | – State SSI supplement payments – SNAP benefits – Section 8 housing vouchers – Rent rebates or property tax refunds – TANF – IRWE – BWE |
| Resources | – Primary residence – One vehicle per household – Personal belongings and household goods – Property that cannot be sold or used |
Conclusion
It is very important to understand the exceptions to the SSI income and resource limits, as this can affect eligibility and benefit amounts. Because of these exceptions, more individuals may receive assistance. If you are looking to apply for SSI or are receiving assistance under this program, knowing what types of resources and income are excluded can be beneficial to you. Consulting an SSA representative or a qualified benefits advisor for personalized guidance can be a good step.
FAQs
Q1. What is SSI?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled with limited income and resources.
Q2. What types of income are excluded from SSI eligibility?
SSI does not count certain incomes, such as state SSI supplement payments, SNAP benefits, and Section 8 housing vouchers.
Q3. What resources are not counted towards the SSI limit?
Your primary residence, one vehicle per household, and personal belongings are not counted as resources.
Q4. Do SSI income limits vary by state?
Yes, some states have higher SSI income limits due to differences in living costs.
Q5. How can I get more information about SSI?
You can contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) or consult a qualified benefits advisor for detailed guidance.