If you want to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through the Social Security Administration (SSA), you will need to meet certain strict criteria. This includes making sure that your monthly income falls below a specific threshold, known as the income limit. But how do you know if you fall under the SSI income limit, and what happens if you exceed that limit?
What is the SSI Income Limit?
The SSI income limit is the maximum amount of money you can make in a single month while still qualifying for SSI benefits. The exact amount of this limit varies depending on a number of factors, including whether or not you are married, and can change from year to year. For 2025, the limits are $967 per month for individuals and $1,450 per month for couples, although those amounts can be deceptive.
What Counts Towards the Income Limit?
Confusingly, not all types of income count towards the income limit for determining whether you qualify for SSI benefits. For example, many types of government assistance (such as SNAP benefits), do not count as income, nor do many types of grants, gifts, or scholarships. The first $20 in income from any source does not count, nor does the first $65 in earned income, or one-half of all other earned income. You can read more about what types of income do, and do not, count towards the SSI income limits here.
Why Does it Matter?
All of this matters because it can make it incredibly unclear whether or not someone may actually qualify for SSI benefits. It is not as simple as adding up a person’s total income every month and comparing it to the stated income limit to determine if you fall under the income limit. With all of the potential exceptions, it is easy to make a miscalculation, causing you to mistakenly believe you are not qualified when you might otherwise be.
What Should You Do?
To give yourself the best possible chance of success when applying for SSI benefits, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling Social Security disability applications. They can help you go over your application, limiting the chance of making mistakes and maximizing your chances of success. They can also help you appeal your application in case it is denied for whatever reason.
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.
