Charlie Financial is here to give you clear answers on what income counts (and what doesn’t) for your SSI payments in this easy-to-follow guide.
What Is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that helps people with limited income and resources who are 65 years old or older, blind, or have a disability. Unlike Social Security retirement benefits, which depend on your work history and the taxes you have paid over the years, SSI relies solely on financial need.
Meeting SSI Requirements
The SSA has an online tool to check SSI eligibility, but we’ve simplified the requirements below. You must meet the following four criteria:
Age or Disability
To qualify for SSI, you must be either 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability. If you're 65 or older, your age alone qualifies you — no need to prove disability.
Residency
You must live in one of the 50 states, Washington D.C., or the Northern Mariana Islands. Generally, you need to be a U.S. citizen or meet criteria as a qualified noncitizen.
Limited Income
To qualify, you must have income below a certain amount. Not all income counts — more on that below.
Limited Resources
You can't have more than $2,000 in countable resources as an individual ($3,000 as a married couple). The SSA has more information about SSI resources, but know that your home, one car, and personal belongings don't count toward this limit.
How Much Could You Get From SSI?
- The maximum SSI benefit in 2025 is $967 per month for individuals.
- The maximum SSI benefit in 2025 is $1,450 per month for married couples.
- Some income doesn’t count against you.
- You don't need a work history to qualify for SSI.
- Payments usually arrive on the 1st of each month.
How Your Income Affects Your Benefits
For SSI eligibility in 2025, different income limits apply based on the type of income and your marital status. Here’s a quick overview:
However, SSI doesn’t count all the money you get. They only look at what they call "countable income,” which is income that can help you pay for basic needs like food or housing.
Here's what SSI countable income includes.
Money from Working
You can work part-time and still get SSI. For every $2 you earn, your SSI payment usually goes down by about $1.
Social Security Benefits and Pensions
Most unearned income you receive, like Social Security benefits or pensions, counts as income. Every extra $1 you get from these kinds of payments can lower your SSI by about $1.
Money from Investments
Interest from your bank accounts, stocks, or rental property typically counts. If you rent out property, you can subtract things like taxes and repair costs first.
In-Kind Support
If someone gives you free or cheaper housing, it can lower your SSI. But since September 2024, getting free or discounted food, also known as in-kind support, won’t change your benefits anymore.
Income From Others You Live With
If you live with a spouse, parents (if under 18), or a sponsor (if a noncitizen), some of their income may count against you. Living in someone else's home without paying your share for food and shelter can lower your SSI by up to $342.33.
Money That Doesn’t Count Toward SSI
Examples of money that won’t lower your SSI benefits include:
- Food stamps (SNAP benefits)
- Help with heating or cooling bills
- Small gifts from family or friends
- Income tax refunds
- Loans that you have to repay
- Most grants or scholarship money, if you're in school
- Food or shelter from nonprofit agencies based on need
- The first $20 of Social Security benefits or pensions you get each month
- The first $65 of wages in a month (plus half of the amount you earn over $65)
SSI Eligibility, Qualifications, and Income Rules: FAQ
What makes a person eligible for SSI?
You're eligible for SSI if you're 65 or older, blind, or disabled AND you have limited income and resources. You must also be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen and live in one of the 50 states, Washington D.C., or the Northern Mariana Islands.
Can I qualify for SSI if I already receive Social Security?
Yes. Many people receive both SSI and Social Security benefits. If your Social Security benefit is low enough that your total countable income falls below the SSI limit, you may qualify for SSI to supplement your income.
Can you work and be on SSI at the same time?
Absolutely. SSI has special rules to encourage work. They don't count the first $65 of your monthly earnings, plus they only count half of your earnings above that amount. This means you can work part-time without losing all your SSI benefits.
Content in the Customer Resource Center is for informational purposes only, and you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.