Can I Buy a Car on SSI?

If you’re receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may be wondering:

Can I buy a car without losing my benefits?

The short answer is: yes — in most cases, you can own a car while receiving SSI. But there are rules to be aware of, especially when it comes to asset limits and who uses the vehicle.

This article covers:

1. What the Social Security Administration (SSA) allows

2. What counts toward the $2,000 asset limit

3. How to handle buying or receiving a car as a gift

4. What to watch for if you already have a car

5. How Purple helps SSI recipients manage money safely

1. Does SSA Allow People on SSI to Own a Car?

Yes. The SSA allows one car or vehicle to be excluded from your assets — no matter how much it’s worth — as long as you or someone in your household uses it for transportation.

This car is considered a non-countable resource, which means it won’t affect your eligibility for SSI.

So whether it’s a used sedan or a brand-new SUV, you’re allowed to own one vehicle for personal transportation.

2. What About the SSI $2,000 Asset Limit?

People on SSI are limited to $2,000 in countable resources ($3,000 for couples). But the good news is:

One vehicle used for transportation is not counted toward the limit.

Other vehicles will count unless they’re needed for essential purposes (like a wheelchair-accessible van used by another household member).

Keep in mind: the value of your car doesn’t matter — what matters is that you use it.

3. Can I Buy a Car with My SSI Money?

Yes — you can use your benefits or savings to buy a car, but plan carefully:

• Don’t let your account balance go above $2,000 while saving up.

• If a car seller is holding your funds, ask if they can deposit them directly to avoid a temporary spike in your balance.

• Consider an ABLE account to save safely over $2,000 for this purpose.

If someone else gives you a car as a gift, that’s generally OK too — as long as you don’t receive cash instead.

4. Already Own a Car? Here’s What to Know

If you already own a vehicle and apply for SSI, the SSA will ask:

• Is the car titled in your name?

• Do you or someone in your household use it regularly?

• Is there only one car total excluded from assets?

If your car meets those criteria, you’re in the clear.

Owning more than one vehicle, however, can be a problem. The second vehicle’s market value will count toward your asset limit.

5. How Purple Helps You Manage SSI Rules

Buying a car on SSI is possible — but managing your account balance safely is the key. Purple was built to help:

• Track your balance to avoid going over $2,000

• Access your SSI deposits up to 4 days early¹

• Separate money into spending and savings

• Store receipts for SSA reviews

• Pair with ABLE accounts and rep payee support

Ready to bank smarter with your SSI benefits? Get started with Purple today.

Purple is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by OMB Bank, Member FDIC. The Purple Mastercard® Debit Card is issued by OMB Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to license from Mastercard.

¹ Early access is not guaranteed and depends on payer timing. We generally make funds available on the day we receive the payment file, which may be up to 4 days early for government benefits like SSI or SSDI, and up to 2 days early for other deposits. Early access is available at no additional cost.

² See our fee schedule for complete details