To be able to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you not only need to have a disability, you also must fall below the program’s income limits (for 2026, this is $994 for individuals and $1,491 for married couples). However, not all forms of income count towards this overall limit, and it is important to know what types of income are counted. Here are seven exceptions to the SSI income limit you should know about if you are applying for disability benefits:
- The first $65 you make each month, plus one half of earnings over $65
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- One of the first issues that can significantly complicate SSI income limit calculations is the fact that the first $65 you make each month does not count towards it. Moreover, one half of your monthly income over $65 also does not count.
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- SNAP, Section 8, and certain other government benefits
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- Many types of government benefits are also excluded from determining if you qualify for SSI. These include things like SNAP benefits, Section 8 housing, or state SSI supplemental payments, among other things.
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- Income tax refunds
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- If you received a tax refund after filing your taxes, that is not counted as income for the purposes of SSI. This can be especially important if you received certain tax credits or rebates, which can make a refund quite substantial.
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- Needs-based assistance
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- The SSI income limit also does not include any aid you may have received due to need, whether from the government or a private charity. For example, assistance with paying for heating or energy bills would not count towards the limit, nor would food or housing relief.
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- Disaster relief
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- If you have been the victim of a natural disaster such as a hurricane or wildfire, SSI will not count any assistance you received as income. This can help ensure you are not kicked off your benefits due to getting aid after your home was damaged in a fire or flood, for example.
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- Loaned money
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- Any loan that you need to pay back is not considered income for the purposes of the SSI income limit. This may include a loan to an institution like a bank, or a private loan from a friend or family member.
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- Grants or scholarships for education
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- Any grant, scholarship, fellowship, or gift used to pay for education expenses is not considered income under SSI. This can ensure you can retain your benefits even if you are trying to get back to school and learn a new trade.
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.
