FAQs
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program. To get SSI, your countable resources must not be worth more than $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. We call this the resource limit. Countable resources are the things you own that count toward the resource limit.
What does SSI consider countable resources? ›
Some of what you make or own won't count toward SSI limits. For SSI, income is money you get, such as wages, Social Security benefits, and pensions. Income can also include food and housing. Resources are things you own that have value, such as a second vehicle or money in a bank account.
How to understand SSI? ›
SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income. Social Security administers this program. We pay monthly benefits to people with limited income and resources who are blind, age 65 or older, or have a qualifying disability.
How can I get answers to Social Security questions? ›
For general Social Security inquiries, call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
What is the 1 3 rule for SSI? ›
We may reduce your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment by one-third if you live in another person's household throughout a month and you do not pay for the food and shelter you get from the household.
What counts as a resource? ›
Resource refers to all the materials available in our environment which are technologically accessible, economically feasible and culturally sustainable and help us to satisfy our needs and wants.
What countable resources mean? ›
Primary tabs. Countable resources are any assets or personal property included within a cap for receiving welfare aid from the government. The term usually refers to some kind of resource like jewelry that requires being sold before being used as income.
What is the highest SSI check? ›
The maximum monthly SSI payment for 2024 is $943 for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Your amount may be lower based on your income, certain family members' income, your living situation, and other factors.
What income is too high for SSI? ›
Still meet all the other SSI requirements, such as low unearned income, low spouse income, and so on; Still have resources below the SSI limit of $2,000 ($3,000 for a couple); and. Have less than $58,638 in gross wages. Note: If you have medical expenses higher than the state average, this figure may be higher.
What is the average SSI check amount? ›
The monthly SSI benefit amounts vary based on where you live. In January 2023, the average monthly state benefit for people 65 and older was $207.67 in states where the SSA runs the supplementary payment programs.
Most Asked Questions
What happens if I work and get Social Security retirement benefits? What is the maximum Social Security retirement benefit payable? Must I pay taxes on Social Security benefits? How much will the COLA amount be for 2024 and when will I receive it?
What questions are asked for SSI? ›
The interviewer will ask you questions about basic personal information, your disability and medical history, your employment history over the last 15 years, your job duties, other sources of income, your household, and other resources you have access to.
How do I pass my Social Security review? ›
You're more likely to pass a CDR by following these tips:
- Be responsive. Let the SSA know immediately if any non-medical information changes, such as your address. ...
- Follow your medical treatment protocols. ...
- Keep up-to-date medical records.
If your overpayment is $1,000 or less, you can request a waiver by calling 1-800-772-1213 or your local Social Security office. We may be able to process your request quickly over the phone.
What resources are not counted for SSI? ›
For SSI, we do not count:
- the home you live in and the land it is on;
- one vehicle, regardless of value, if you or a member of your household use it for transportation;
- household goods and personal effects (e.g., your wedding and engagement rings);
- life insurance policies with a combined face value of $1,500 or less;
The Social Security five-year rule is the time period in which you can file for an expedited reinstatement after your Social Security disability benefits have been terminated completely due to work.
Does SSI have resource limits? ›
SSI beneficiaries are limited to only $2,000 in assets of any kind. For married couples or two-parent families with SSI beneficiary children, the limit is $3,000, which creates a marriage penalty because the couple limit is 25 percent less than the limit for two individuals.
How often does SSI check your resources? ›
We redetermine eligibility and benefit amounts of most recipients once every 1 to 6 years. When you report a change that affects eligibility or payment (for example, marriage), we may review your record for other factors of eligibility such as income, resources, and living arrangements.
Is an IRA a countable resource for SSI? ›
Continue the current policy of counting retirement funds as liquid resources for the SSI applicant or recipient if those funds can be withdrawn or annuitized. Exclude retirement funds from countable resources until retirement age.
the home you live in and the land it is on;