What Is The Income Limit For SSI Disability?

The income limit for SSI disability refers to the maximum amount of income you can have and still qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. At income-partners.net, we are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of SSI eligibility, providing clarity and resources to optimize your financial strategies through successful partnerships. Discover the key factors influencing your SSI eligibility and find opportunities to increase your revenue streams while staying within the allowable limits.

1. Understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Disability

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program designed to help aged, blind, and disabled individuals who have limited income and resources. Administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), SSI provides monthly payments to meet basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter. To fully understand how SSI works, let’s delve into the eligibility criteria and the role of disability in qualifying for these benefits.

1.1. What is SSI?

SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income. It’s a federal program funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes. SSI is designed to assist individuals who are aged (65 or older), blind, or disabled and who have limited income and resources, ensuring they can meet their basic needs.

1.2. Who is Eligible for SSI?

To be eligible for SSI, an individual must meet several criteria:

• Age, Blindness, or Disability: Must be age 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability.
• Limited Income: Must have limited income, which includes both earned and unearned income.
• Limited Resources: Must have limited resources, such as bank accounts, stocks, and other assets.
• U.S. Residency: Must be a U.S. resident.

1.3. How Does Disability Play a Role in SSI Eligibility?

For individuals under 65, disability is a primary factor in determining SSI eligibility. The SSA defines disability as “the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.”

To be considered disabled for SSI purposes, an individual must:

• Have a severe physical or mental impairment.
• The impairment must prevent them from doing basic work activities, such as walking, sitting, remembering, and understanding.
• The impairment must last or be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.

**1.4. The Importance of Understanding SSI Eligibility

Understanding the nuances of SSI eligibility is crucial for those who need financial assistance due to age, blindness, or disability. Knowing the income and resource limits, as well as the specific criteria for disability, helps individuals navigate the application process more effectively and ensures they receive the benefits they are entitled to. At income-partners.net, we strive to provide the resources and guidance needed to help you understand these complex requirements and explore opportunities for financial growth within the SSI framework.

2. Defining Income for SSI Purposes

For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), “income” has a specific meaning that goes beyond just wages or salary. The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers any item an individual receives that can be used to meet their needs for food or shelter as income. Understanding what counts as income is crucial because it directly affects SSI eligibility and benefit amounts.

2.1. What Counts as Income for SSI?

Income, for SSI purposes, includes anything received in cash or in-kind that can be used to meet basic needs. This includes not only direct cash payments but also items that can be converted into cash or used directly for food and shelter. Here are the primary categories of income considered by the SSA:

• Earned Income: This includes wages, net earnings from self-employment, royalties, honoraria, and payments from sheltered workshops.
• Unearned Income: This encompasses all income that is not earned, such as Social Security benefits, pensions, state disability payments, unemployment benefits, interest income, dividends, and cash gifts from friends and relatives.
• In-Kind Income: This refers to food, shelter, or both received for free or at less than their fair market value.
• Deemed Income: This is the portion of income from a spouse, parent(s), or sponsor (for non-citizens) that the SSA uses to calculate an individual’s SSI benefit amount.

2.2. Earned Income Explained

Earned income is compensation received for work performed. Here are some detailed examples:

• Wages: Money earned from an employer for services rendered.
• Self-Employment Income: Net earnings from running a business, after deducting business expenses.
• Royalties: Payments received for the use of one’s creative works, such as books or music.
• Honoraria: Payments for services where no fee is legally required, such as guest speaking engagements.
• Sheltered Workshop Payments: Wages paid to individuals with disabilities who work in a sheltered workshop environment.

2.3. Unearned Income Explained

Unearned income includes all income that isn’t directly earned through work. Here are some detailed examples:

• Social Security Benefits: Monthly payments received from Social Security retirement, disability, or survivor benefits.
• Pensions: Regular payments from a retirement fund or plan.
• State Disability Payments: Benefits received from a state government due to a disability.
• Unemployment Benefits: Compensation received while unemployed and seeking work.
• Interest Income: Money earned from savings accounts, bonds, or other investments.
• Dividends: Payments from company profits distributed to shareholders.
• Cash Gifts: Money received from friends, relatives, or other sources.

2.4. In-Kind Income Explained

In-kind income refers to receiving food, shelter, or both without paying fair market value. This type of income is particularly scrutinized by the SSA.

• Free Food and Shelter: Receiving meals and housing at no cost.
• Reduced-Cost Food and Shelter: Paying less than the fair market value for food and housing.

2.5. Deemed Income Explained

Deemed income is the portion of income from a spouse, parent(s), or sponsor that is considered available to the SSI applicant, even if it’s not directly given to them.

• Spousal Deeming: Income from a spouse is partially counted when determining the SSI benefit for the applicant.
• Parental Deeming: For children under 18, a portion of the parents’ income is considered when calculating the child’s SSI benefit.
• Sponsor Deeming: For non-citizens, the income of their sponsor is partially counted when determining their SSI eligibility and benefit amount.

Understanding these different types of income and how they are assessed by the SSA is essential for accurately determining SSI eligibility and maximizing potential benefits. At income-partners.net, we can provide guidance on how to navigate these complex rules and identify strategies to optimize your financial situation while remaining eligible for SSI.

Man calculating income and expenses to determine SSI eligibility

2.6. In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM)

In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) is unearned income in the form of food, or shelter, or any combination of these. Effective 09/30/2024, food is no longer included in ISM calculations. This means that the value of food will no longer reduce your SSI payment.

3. What Income Doesn’t Count for SSI?

When determining eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the Social Security Administration (SSA) doesn’t count all income. Certain payments and services are excluded from the countable income, allowing individuals to receive SSI benefits while still accessing these essential resources. Knowing what income doesn’t count is crucial for accurately calculating eligibility and maximizing benefits.

3.1. Common Types of Excluded Income

Several types of income are not counted when determining SSI eligibility. These exclusions help ensure that individuals can meet their basic needs without jeopardizing their SSI benefits. Here are some common examples:

• The First $20 of Most Income: The SSA excludes the first $20 of most income received in a month, whether earned or unearned.
• The First $65 of Earnings and One-Half of Earnings Over $65: The first $65 of monthly earnings is excluded, and then only half of the remaining earnings are counted.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits: The value of food stamps received is not counted as income.
• Income Tax Refunds: Refunds received from federal or state income taxes are excluded.
• Home Energy Assistance: Payments for home energy assistance, such as help with heating or cooling costs, are not counted.
• Need-Based Assistance: Assistance based on need funded by a state or local government, or an Indian tribe, is excluded.
• Irregular or Infrequent Income: Small amounts of income received irregularly or infrequently may be excluded.
• Educational Grants and Scholarships: Grants, scholarships, fellowships, or gifts used for tuition and educational expenses are not counted.
• Loans: Cash or in-kind loans that must be repaid are excluded.
• Money Spent on Non-Shelter Items: Money spent by someone else to pay for expenses other than food or shelter (e.g., telephone or medical bills) is not counted.
• Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) Income: Income set aside under an approved PASS plan is excluded.

3.2. Understanding the $20 General Income Exclusion

The first $20 of most income received in a month is not counted. This exclusion applies to both earned and unearned income. For example, if an individual receives $100 in unearned income (such as a Social Security benefit), only $80 is considered countable income.

3.3. The Earned Income Exclusion: $65 Plus One-Half

The earned income exclusion is more complex. The SSA excludes the first $65 of monthly earnings. After that, only half of the remaining earnings are counted. This exclusion encourages individuals to work without significantly reducing their SSI benefits.

Example:

Suppose an individual earns $317 in gross wages in a month. The calculation would be:

1. $317 (Gross wages) – $20 (General exclusion) = $297
2. $297 – $65 (Earned income exclusion) = $232
3. $232 / 2 = $116 (Countable income)

In this case, only $116 would be counted as income for SSI purposes.

3.4. The Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE)

The Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) allows students under age 22 to exclude a certain amount of their earnings each month. For 2024, students can exclude up to $2,290 per month, with a maximum of $9,230 per year. This exclusion helps students gain work experience without affecting their SSI benefits.

3.5. Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE)

Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) are costs for items or services that a disabled person needs to work. These expenses are deducted from the individual’s gross earnings when calculating SSI benefits. Examples include:

• Assistive devices
• Medical devices
• Transportation costs related to the impairment

3.6. Work Expenses for the Blind

Blind individuals can also deduct certain work expenses from their earnings when calculating SSI benefits. These expenses may include:

• Guide dog care
• Transportation to and from work
• Special equipment needed for the job

3.7. Other Notable Exclusions

• Disaster Assistance: Payments received as disaster assistance are not counted as income.
• Clinical Trial Compensation: The first $2,000 of compensation received per calendar year for participating in certain clinical trials is excluded.
• Refundable Tax Credits: Refundable federal and advanced tax credits are not counted as income.
• Indian Trust Fund Payments: Certain exclusions apply to Indian trust fund payments paid to American Indians who are members of a federally recognized tribe.
• ABLE Accounts: Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save money without affecting their SSI eligibility.

Understanding these income exclusions is vital for anyone receiving or applying for SSI. Knowing which types of income are not counted can help individuals make informed decisions about employment, financial assistance, and other resources. At income-partners.net, we provide the expertise and resources needed to navigate these complex rules and optimize your financial strategy.

4. How Income Affects Your SSI Benefit

Understanding how income affects your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit is essential for managing your financial resources effectively. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reduces your SSI benefit based on your countable income. This section breaks down the process step-by-step with clear examples.

4.1. The Basic Calculation: Countable Income vs. SSI Federal Benefit Rate

The SSA calculates your SSI benefit by subtracting your countable income from the SSI Federal Benefit Rate (FBR). The FBR is the maximum amount an individual can receive in SSI benefits each month. As of 2024, the FBR is $943 for an individual.

4.2. Step-by-Step Calculation

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how your income affects your SSI benefit:

Step 1: Determine Your Total Gross Income

First, calculate your total income from all sources, including earned and unearned income.

Step 2: Subtract Non-Countable Income

Next, subtract any income that the SSA does not count, such as the first $20 of most income, the first $65 of earnings, and one-half of earnings over $65.

Step 3: Calculate Your Countable Income

The remaining amount after subtracting non-countable income is your countable income.

Step 4: Subtract Countable Income from the SSI Federal Benefit Rate (FBR)

Finally, subtract your countable income from the FBR to determine your monthly SSI benefit.

Formula:

1. Your Total Income – Your Non-Countable Income = Your Countable Income
2. SSI Federal Benefit Rate – Your Countable Income = Your SSI Federal Benefit

4.3. Examples of How Income Affects SSI Benefits

Let’s illustrate this with several examples:

Example A: Unearned Income Only

• Total Monthly Income: $300 (Social Security benefit)

1. $300 (Social Security benefit) – $20 (Not counted) = $280 (Countable income)
2. $943 (SSI Federal benefit rate) – $280 (Countable income) = $663 (SSI Federal benefit)

In this case, the individual would receive an SSI benefit of $663.

Example B: Earned Income Only

• Total Monthly Income: $317 (Gross wages)

1. $317 (Gross wages) – $20 (Not counted) = $297
2. $297 – $65 (Not counted) = $232
3. $232 / 2 = $116 (Countable income)
4. $943 (SSI Federal benefit rate) – $116 (Countable income) = $827 (SSI Federal benefit)

Here, the individual would receive an SSI benefit of $827.

Example C: Unearned Income with State Supplement

• Total Monthly Income: $300 (Social Security benefit)
• State Supplement: $15 (For an individual living alone)

1. $300 (Social Security benefit) – $20 (Not counted) = $280 (Countable income)
2. $943 (SSI Federal benefit rate) – $280 (Countable Income) = $663 (SSI Federal benefit)
3. $663 (SSI Federal benefit) + $15 (State supplement payment) = $678 (Total Federal and State SSI benefit)

The individual’s total SSI benefit, including the state supplement, would be $678.

Example D: Earned Income with State Supplement

• Total Monthly Income: $317 (Gross wages)
• State Supplement: $15 (For an individual living alone)

1. $317 (Gross wages) – $20 (Not counted) = $297
2. $297 – $65 (Not counted) = $232
3. $232 / 2 = $116 (Countable income)
4. $943 (SSI Federal benefit rate) – $116 (Countable Income) = $827 (SSI Federal benefit)
5. $827 (SSI Federal benefit) + $15 (State supplement payment) = $842 (Total Federal and State SSI benefit)

In this scenario, the individual’s total SSI benefit, including the state supplement, would be $842.

4.4. Maximizing Your SSI Benefit

Understanding how income affects your SSI benefit allows you to make informed decisions about employment and other income sources. Here are some strategies to maximize your benefit:

• Utilize Income Exclusions: Be aware of all the income exclusions available, such as the $20 general exclusion, the earned income exclusion, and the student earned income exclusion.
• Consider a PASS Plan: If you are looking to become self-sufficient, a Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) can help you set aside income for specific work-related goals without affecting your SSI benefits.
• Track Impairment-Related Work Expenses: Keep detailed records of any impairment-related work expenses to deduct them from your gross earnings.
• Explore ABLE Accounts: If you have a disability, consider opening an ABLE account to save money without jeopardizing your SSI eligibility.

By carefully managing your income and taking advantage of available exclusions and programs, you can optimize your SSI benefit while working towards financial independence. At income-partners.net, we provide the resources and support you need to navigate these complexities and achieve your financial goals.

Calculator, pen, and financial documents on a desk representing the calculation of SSI benefits

5. Understanding Windfall Offset

Windfall Offset is a term used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) when an individual is eligible for both Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for the same period. It occurs when the SSA reduces retroactive Social Security benefits to account for the SSI benefits that would not have been paid if the Social Security benefits had been paid on time.

5.1. What is Windfall Offset?

Windfall Offset is essentially a way for the SSA to prevent double payments. If you are eligible for both SSI and Social Security benefits for the same months, the SSA will reduce your retroactive Social Security benefits by the amount of SSI you would not have received if you had been paid Social Security benefits when they were originally due.

5.2. How Does Windfall Offset Work?

Here’s a breakdown of how Windfall Offset works:

1. Eligibility for Both SSI and Social Security: You must be eligible for both SSI and Social Security benefits for the same period.
2. Retroactive Social Security Benefits: You are awarded retroactive Social Security benefits, meaning you receive a lump-sum payment for past months.
3. Calculation of SSI Overpayment: The SSA calculates how much SSI you received during those past months.
4. Reduction of Social Security Benefits: The SSA reduces your retroactive Social Security benefits by the amount of SSI you would not have received if the Social Security benefits had been paid on time.

5.3. Example of Windfall Offset

Let’s consider an example:

• John applies for both SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in January 2024.
• In July 2024, the SSA approves both applications.
• John is entitled to SSDI benefits retroactive to January 2024.
• The SSA determines that John received $4,000 in SSI benefits from January to June 2024.
• The SSA calculates that if John had received his SSDI benefits on time, his SSI benefits would have been reduced by $3,500.
• The SSA reduces John’s retroactive SSDI payment by $3,500 to offset the SSI benefits he should not have received.

In this scenario, John’s retroactive SSDI payment is reduced by $3,500, and he effectively receives the correct amount of total benefits (SSI + SSDI) for the period in question.

5.4. Why Does Windfall Offset Exist?

Windfall Offset exists to ensure that individuals do not receive duplicate benefits for the same period. It helps the SSA manage resources effectively and prevents overpayment of government funds.

5.5. How to Prepare for Windfall Offset

While Windfall Offset is a standard procedure, being prepared can help you understand and manage the process more smoothly:

• Keep Accurate Records: Maintain detailed records of all benefits received, including SSI and Social Security.
• Understand the Calculation: Familiarize yourself with how the SSA calculates Windfall Offset.
• Consult with an Expert: If you have questions or concerns, consult with a Social Security expert or financial advisor who can provide personalized guidance.
• Plan for the Adjustment: Be aware that your retroactive Social Security benefits may be reduced, and plan your finances accordingly.

Understanding Windfall Offset is an essential part of navigating the complexities of SSI and Social Security benefits. At income-partners.net, we provide the resources and expertise needed to help you manage these processes effectively and achieve your financial goals.

6. Deemed Income and Its Impact on SSI Benefits

Deemed income refers to the process where the Social Security Administration (SSA) counts a portion of another person’s income as available to you when determining your eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This typically applies when you live with a spouse, parent, or sponsor who is not eligible for SSI. Understanding how deemed income works is critical because it can significantly affect your SSI benefits.

6.1. What is Deemed Income?

Deemed income is the portion of income from your spouse, parent(s), or sponsor (if you are a non-citizen) that the SSA considers available to you, even if they don’t directly give you the money. The SSA assumes that because you live together, some of their income is used to support you.

6.2. Who Does Deemed Income Apply To?

Deemed income applies in the following situations:

• Spousal Deeming: When you live with a spouse who is not eligible for SSI, a portion of their income is deemed available to you.
• Parental Deeming: When a child under age 18 who is blind or has a disability lives with their parent(s) (or a parent and stepparent), and at least one parent does not receive SSI, a portion of the parents’ income is deemed available to the child.
• Sponsor Deeming: When a non-citizen has a sponsor, a portion of the sponsor’s income is deemed available to the non-citizen for a specific period.

6.3. How Does Spousal Deeming Work?

When you live with a spouse who is not eligible for SSI, the SSA first deducts certain amounts from your spouse’s income. These deductions include:

• An amount for your spouse’s own needs.
• An amount for any dependent children living in the household.

After these deductions, any remaining income is partially deemed available to you, potentially reducing your SSI benefit.

6.4. How Does Parental Deeming Work?

For children under 18 who live with their parents, the SSA considers a portion of the parents’ income as available to the child. The SSA first deducts:

• An amount for the parents’ own needs.
• An amount for any other dependent children in the household who do not receive SSI.

The remaining income is then deemed available to the child, which can reduce the child’s SSI benefit.

6.5. How Does Sponsor Deeming Work?

For non-citizens, the income of their sponsor is deemed available to them for a specific period, typically until they become a U.S. citizen or have worked a certain number of qualifying quarters. The SSA uses a specific formula to determine how much of the sponsor’s income is deemed available.

6.6. When Does Deemed Income Not Apply?

There are situations when deemed income does not apply:

• No Longer Living Together: When you no longer live with the spouse or parent.
• Child Turns 18: When a child who is blind or has a disability turns 18, parental deeming no longer applies.
• Sponsorship Ends: When a non-citizen’s sponsorship period ends.

6.7. Strategies to Mitigate the Impact of Deemed Income

While you cannot avoid deemed income if you live with a spouse, parent, or sponsor, there are strategies to mitigate its impact:

• Understand the Rules: Familiarize yourself with the specific rules and formulas the SSA uses to calculate deemed income.
• Track Expenses: Keep detailed records of your expenses to demonstrate your actual financial needs.
• Seek Professional Advice: Consult with a Social Security expert or financial advisor who can provide personalized guidance.

Understanding deemed income and its impact on SSI benefits is essential for managing your financial situation effectively. At income-partners.net, we offer the resources and support you need to navigate these complexities and optimize your financial strategy.

Family calculating income, highlighting the concept of deemed income in SSI benefits

7. Navigating Income Limits While Partnering for Growth

For individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), managing income while seeking opportunities for financial growth can be a delicate balance. Strategic partnerships can provide avenues to increase income without jeopardizing SSI eligibility. Understanding the rules and leveraging resources can help SSI recipients achieve financial independence while maintaining essential benefits.

7.1. Understanding SSI Income Limits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict income limits for SSI eligibility. As of 2024, the federal benefit rate (FBR) is $943 per month for an individual. To be eligible for SSI, your countable income must be below this amount. Countable income includes both earned (wages, self-employment income) and unearned income (Social Security benefits, pensions, gifts).

7.2. Strategic Partnerships for SSI Recipients

Partnering with others in business ventures can be a powerful way to increase income while navigating SSI limits. Here are some strategies:

• Limited Partnerships: Participate in a limited partnership where you are not actively involved in the day-to-day operations. Income from such partnerships may be treated differently than active self-employment income.
• Investment Partnerships: Invest in partnerships focused on long-term growth and capital appreciation. Capital gains and dividends may have different implications for SSI eligibility than regular income.
• Consulting or Advisory Roles: Offer your expertise as a consultant or advisor to businesses. Structure the compensation in a way that maximizes exclusions and minimizes the impact on your SSI benefits.

7.3. Leveraging PASS Plans

A Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) is a valuable tool for SSI recipients who want to pursue education, training, or start a business to become self-sufficient. A PASS plan allows you to set aside income and resources for a specific work-related goal. The income and resources set aside under an approved PASS plan are not counted when determining SSI eligibility.

Example:

Sarah receives SSI benefits and wants to start a small online business. She develops a PASS plan to set aside $500 per month for business expenses, such as website development, marketing, and inventory. With an approved PASS plan, the $500 per month is not counted as income, allowing Sarah to pursue her business goals without losing her SSI benefits.

7.4. Utilizing ABLE Accounts

Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities. Contributions to an ABLE account, as well as the account’s growth, are generally not counted when determining SSI eligibility.

Benefits of ABLE Accounts:

• Savings: Allows SSI recipients to save money without affecting their benefits.
• Tax Advantages: Offers tax-free growth and withdrawals for qualified disability expenses.
• Flexibility: Funds can be used for a wide range of disability-related expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and healthcare.

7.5. Maximizing Income Exclusions

Understanding and utilizing income exclusions is crucial for SSI recipients. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not count all income when determining SSI eligibility. Here are some key exclusions:

• The First $20 of Most Income: The first $20 of most income received in a month is not counted.
• The First $65 of Earnings and One-Half of Earnings Over $65: The first $65 of monthly earnings is excluded, and then only half of the remaining earnings are counted.
• Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE): Students under age 22 can exclude up to $2,290 per month, with a maximum of $9,230 per year.
• Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE): Expenses for items or services needed to work due to a disability can be deducted from gross earnings.

7.6. Case Studies of Successful Partnerships

Case Study 1: John and the Software Startup

John, an SSI recipient with a background in software development, partnered with a tech startup. He worked as a consultant, providing specialized coding expertise. By structuring his compensation to maximize income exclusions and setting up a PASS plan, John was able to significantly increase his income without losing his SSI benefits.

Case Study 2: Maria and the E-commerce Venture

Maria, an SSI recipient with a passion for crafts, partnered with a local artisan to sell handmade goods online. She used an ABLE account to save a portion of her earnings and a PASS plan to cover business expenses. This allowed her to grow her e-commerce venture while maintaining her SSI eligibility.

7.7. Resources and Support

Navigating SSI income limits and exploring partnership opportunities can be complex. Here are some valuable resources and support systems:

• Social Security Administration (SSA): The SSA provides detailed information on SSI eligibility, income limits, and exclusions.
• Disability Organizations: Organizations like the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) offer resources and advocacy for individuals with disabilities.
• Financial Advisors: Consulting with a financial advisor who specializes in disability benefits can provide personalized guidance on managing income and assets.
• income-partners.net: Explore partnership opportunities and resources for financial growth while maintaining SSI eligibility.

By understanding the rules, leveraging available resources, and pursuing strategic partnerships, SSI recipients can achieve financial independence while maintaining essential benefits.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About SSI Income Limits

8.1. What is the current income limit for SSI disability in 2024?

As of 2024, the income limit for SSI disability is the federal benefit rate (FBR), which is $943 per month for an individual. To be eligible for SSI, your countable income must be below this amount.

8.2. What types of income are considered when determining SSI eligibility?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers both earned and unearned income. Earned income includes wages, self-employment income, royalties, and honoraria. Unearned income includes Social Security benefits, pensions, state disability payments, unemployment benefits, interest income, dividends, and cash gifts.

8.3. What types of income are not counted when determining SSI eligibility?

Several types of income are not counted, including:

• The first $20 of most income received in a month.
• The first $65 of earnings and one-half of earnings over $65.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (food stamps).
• Income tax refunds.
• Home energy assistance.
• Assistance based on need funded by a state or local government, or an Indian tribe.
• Grants, scholarships, fellowships, or gifts used for tuition and educational expenses.
• Loans to you (cash or in-kind) that you have to repay.
• Money someone else spends to pay your expenses for items other than food or shelter.

8.4. How does earned income affect my SSI benefits?

The SSA excludes the first $65 of your monthly earnings. After that, only half of the remaining earnings are counted. For example, if you earn $317 in gross wages, the calculation would be:

1. $317 (Gross wages) – $20 (General exclusion) = $297
2. $297 – $65 (Earned income exclusion) = $232
3. $232 / 2 = $116 (Countable income)

In this case, only $116 would be counted as income for SSI purposes.

8.5. What is a Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)?

A PASS plan is a written plan that allows SSI recipients to set aside income and resources for a specific work-related goal, such as education, training, or starting a business. With an approved PASS plan, the income and resources set aside are not counted when determining SSI eligibility.

8.6. What is an ABLE account, and how does it affect SSI eligibility?

An Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account is a tax-advantaged savings account for individuals with disabilities. Contributions to an ABLE account, as well as the account’s growth, are generally not counted when determining SSI eligibility. Funds in an ABLE account can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and healthcare.

8.7. How does deemed income affect SSI benefits?

Deemed income refers to the process where the SSA counts a portion of another person’s income as available to you when determining your eligibility for SSI. This typically applies when you live with a spouse, parent, or sponsor who is not eligible for SSI. The SSA deducts certain amounts for the spouse’s, parent’s, or sponsor’s own needs, and any remaining income is partially deemed available to you, potentially reducing your SSI benefit.

8.8. What is Windfall Offset, and how does it affect my SSI benefits?

Windfall Offset occurs when the SSA reduces your retroactive Social Security benefits if you are eligible for both Social Security and SSI benefits for the same months. The SSA reduces your Social Security benefits by the amount of SSI you would not have received if you had been paid Social Security benefits when they were due.

8.9. Can I work and still receive SSI benefits?

Yes, you can work and still receive SSI benefits. The SSA encourages SSI recipients to work and provides several income exclusions and programs to help you maintain your benefits while increasing your income. These include the $20 general exclusion, the $65 and one-half earned income exclusion, the Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE), and Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE).

8.10. Where can I find more information about SSI income limits and eligibility?

You can find more information about SSI income limits and eligibility from the following sources:

• Social Security Administration (SSA): Visit the SSA website (ssa.gov) or call 1-800-772-1213.
• Disability Organizations: Contact organizations like the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) or the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD).
• Financial Advisors: Consult with a financial advisor who specializes in disability benefits.
• income-partners.net: Explore resources and partnership opportunities for financial growth while maintaining