How much money you can make and still get SSI depends on a few key things, like your income and living situation. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that helps people with low income and limited resources pay for basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter.
The program has strict rules about how much money you can earn, but not all income counts the same way. For example, the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not consider certain types of income when deciding if you qualify and how much money you can get.
This means you could earn more than you think and still get SSI. Our Houston Supplemental Security Income SSI Disability lawyers can explain how the SSA looks at your income, which amounts it doesn’t count, and how your benefits might change based on your earnings.
What Is SSI, and Who Is Eligible?
As noted earlier, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a government program that helps people with limited income and resources pay for basic needs. It benefits people who are older, blind, or disabled and need financial help to pay their bills.
To qualify for SSI, you must meet certain financial requirements:
- Income limits: Your income must be below $2,019 per month for individuals or $2,985 per month for couples.
- Resource limits: The value of things you own must be below $2,000 if you’re single or $3,000 if you’re married.
Resources include things like money in the bank, stocks, or property you don’t live in. However, some items, like your home and one vehicle, don’t count against the limit. Household goods and personal items are other resources that don’t count.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-562-9830
What Are the Income Limits for SSI?
SSI has strict rules about how much money you can earn and still qualify. The income limits for SSI depend on the type of income you have and how the SSA calculates your countable income.
While the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) provides a baseline, not all income counts toward the limit, so your gross income may be higher.
Federal Benefit Rate (FBR)
The FBR represents the maximum monthly SSI federal payment amount and sets the foundation for income limits.
To qualify for SSI, your countable income must be below the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) set for the current year. Your countable income (the amount SSA considers after certain deductions) must be below these amounts. If your income is higher, you won’t qualify for SSI.
What Income Types does the SSA Consider?
The SSA looks at several types of income when deciding if you qualify for SSI:
- Earned income: This includes money you make from a job or self-employment.
- Unearned income: This includes money like Social Security benefits, pensions, or unemployment payments.
- In–kind support and maintenance: This is when someone gives you free food or shelter. The SSA assigns a value to this and counts it as income.
- Deemed income: If you live with a spouse or parent who has income, some of that may be considered yours.
How Our Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Lawyer Can Help
SSI rules can be confusing, especially when you’re trying to figure out how your income might affect your eligibility. Our SSI lawyers can help you understand these rules and review your application to make sure it is complete and accurate.
We also will:
- Explain SSI rules: We can break down complex income and resource rules into easy-to-understand terms and explain how these apply to your situation.
- Help you apply or appeal: If you’re applying for SSI for the first time, our team can explain how to apply for Supplemental Security Income and guide you through the process so you can avoid mistakes. If SSA denies your claim, we can lead your appeal.
- Maximize your benefits: We can identify income exclusions or work incentives so that you get the maximum SSI benefits you’re eligible to receive.
- Handle legal challenges: If there’s a problem with your application, like a dispute about your income or living arrangements, a lawyer can represent you and fight for your rights.
When we work on your case, you’ll have someone on your side who understands the law and can help you get the benefits you need to support yourself and your family.
Click to contact our disability lawyers today
Common Questions About SSI and How Much Income You Can Get
People often have questions about whether they can receive other benefits while receiving SSI, what happens if their income changes, and how the SSA calculates their monthly payments.
Below are common questions about SSI and income, as well as answers so you can better understand how the program works. For specific guidance, call our firm today.
Can I Qualify for SSI if I Receive Other Benefits?
Yes, you can qualify for SSI even if you receive other benefits, but those benefits may reduce the amount of SSI you get. The SSA considers benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), retirement benefits, and unemployment payments as unearned income.
The SSA also excludes part of your income before calculating your benefit amount. For unearned income, only a small amount is excluded. For earned income, additional exclusions allow you to keep more of your SSI payment.
Certain benefits, like food stamps or housing assistance, don’t count as income and won’t affect your SSI eligibility.
What Happens if My Income Changes Regularly?
If your income changes from month to month, the SSA adjusts your SSI payments accordingly. SSI supports people with limited income, so your monthly benefit depends on how much countable income you report.
- Reporting requirements: You must report your income to the SSA every month. Changes in your income will affect your SSI payment for the following month.
- How adjustments work: The SSA calculates your countable income by applying exclusions, then subtracts this from the FBR to determine your payment. If your income increases, your SSI payment decreases, and vice versa.
Income that changes regularly can make it harder to budget, so track your earnings and report them accurately to avoid overpayments or underpayments.
Can SSI Be Reinstated if My Income Drops?
Yes, if your income falls below the limit again, you can ask the SSA to restart your benefits. The SSA offers two main options for this:
- Expedited Reinstatement (EXR): If your benefits stopped within the past five years because your income or resources were too high, you may qualify for EXR. This process lets you restart SSI benefits without submitting a new application.
While the SSA reviews your case, you might get provisional benefits (temporary payments) for up to six months. - Reapplying for SSI: If more than five years have passed since your benefits stopped or you don’t qualify for EXR, you’ll need to submit a new SSI application.
To avoid delays, report income changes to the SSA as soon as possible. For example, if your earnings drop from $1,200 to $400 a month, you may be eligible for reinstatement if your countable income is below the limit.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Not Sure How Much Money You Can Make and Still Get SSI? Call Us
Understanding the rules for how much money you can make and still get SSI can be challenging, but we will help you. At Marc Whitehead & Associates, Disability law is all we do, and we’ve been helping clients with these challenges for over 30 years.
Whether you’re applying for SSI for the first time, appealing a denial, or want help with understanding how income limits affect your eligibility, we will help you.
Don’t leave your SSI benefits to chance. Call our team today for a free consultation.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
