If you are suffering from a physical or psychological disability, Supplemental Security Income (or SSI for short) may be appropriate for you. However, in order to obtain those benefits, you need to demonstrate you fit within its strict limits on income and assets. Here are five things you need to know about SSI income limits if you are looking to apply for disability benefits:
- You are limited in how much you can make per year
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- The most basic aspect of SSI income limits to understand is this: if you make more than a certain amount of money each year, you will be disqualified from getting them. In general, you can earn up to $2,019 from work each month as an individual and still qualify. However, this can vary depending on whether you are married or if you have children, among other things.
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- You must have less than a certain amount in personal resources
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- In addition to the limits on how much you can make in income, there are also limits on how much you can own in personal resources. This includes money you have in your bank account, as well as personal property like housing, vehicles, furniture, and so on. For individuals, the maximum amount is set at $2,000 in assets, while for couples it is set at $3,000.
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- Not all types of income count against the income you can make
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- That being said, the above numbers can be deceptive, since not all types of income count against the SSI income limits. For example, certain types of public benefits, such as SNAP benefits and TANF benefits, do not count towards this limit. Likewise, things like loans, grants, or scholarships also do not qualify, along with other categories of “income.”
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- Some types of property are exempted
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- In addition, the resource limits have their own exemptions, allowing you to potentially own much more than the resource limits would ordinarily suggest. For example, your primary residence does not count towards those limits, nor does one vehicle used for transportation. Many types of personal belongings, such as jewelry or household items, also do not count.
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- You may need assistance to determine if you qualify
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- Because of the complexity of determining what may or may not count towards these limits, it can be very difficult for a regular person to know if they qualify for SSI benefits. That is why you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling Social Security disability applications. They can help you navigate this complex process, and ensure you get the best possible outcome for your situation.
If you or a loved one need assistance applying for SSDI or SSI benefits, it is important that you seek the guidance of an experienced Social Security Disability benefits lawyer. The lawyers at Sullivan & Kehoe, LLP have over 50 years of combined experience between its attorneys and are available to you or your loved one in obtaining Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits. To schedule a consultation with our New York Social Security Disability benefits lawyers, call (631) 823-7155.
