How to Own a Vehicle Without Losing Your Disability Benefits
Introduction: Can You Own a Car While on Disability Benefits?
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may be wondering:
🚗 Can I buy a car on disability?
🚗 Will owning a car affect my SSI or SSDI benefits?
🚗 Are there programs that help people with disabilities buy a car?
The good news is YES, you can own a car while receiving disability benefits—but the rules depend on whether you have SSI or SSDI.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ How owning a car affects SSI vs. SSDI
✅ How many vehicles you can own without losing benefits
✅ Can you get a car loan while on disability?
✅ Best car-buying programs for people with disabilities
✅ How Purple helps track vehicle-related expenses
Let’s break it down!
Can You Own a Car on SSI?
If you receive SSI, there are strict asset limits that determine whether you remain eligible for benefits.
SSI Asset Limits (2025 Rules)
✔ $2,000 limit for individuals
✔ $3,000 limit for married couples
However, SSA does NOT count your primary car as an asset—meaning you can own one vehicle without it affecting your benefits.
How Many Cars Can You Own on SSI?
✔ One vehicle is exempt (it does NOT count toward SSI’s asset limit).
❌ A second car counts as a resource and could put you over the $2,000 asset limit.
💡 Tip: If you inherit or receive a second car, you may need to sell it or put the funds into an ABLE account to stay eligible for SSI.
Can You Own a Car on SSDI?
Yes! If you receive SSDI, there are no asset limits—meaning you can own as many vehicles as you want.
✔ SSDI is based on work history, NOT financial need, so SSA doesn’t care how many cars or assets you own.
✔ Buying or inheriting a car will NOT affect SSDI benefits.
💡 If you receive both SSI and SSDI, you still need to follow the SSI one-car rule!
Can You Get a Car Loan While on Disability?
Yes! Receiving SSI or SSDI does not disqualify you from getting a car loan, but there are some challenges:
How to Get a Car Loan on Disability
✔ Check Your Credit Score – Lenders look at credit history, even if your income is from disability benefits.
✔ Prove Your Income – Many lenders accept SSDI as stable income, but some may require extra documentation.
✔ Consider a Cosigner – A family member with good credit can help you qualify.
💡 Tip: Some lenders may require a higher down payment if your only income is SSI, since it has asset limits.
Can You Lease a Car on SSI or SSDI?
Yes, but leasing may be harder for SSI recipients because:
❌ SSI’s $2,000 limit makes it difficult to qualify for leasing programs.
✅ SSDI recipients have no asset limits, so leasing is easier.
💡 If you’re on SSI and need a car, financing a low-cost used car may be a better option.
Programs That Help People with Disabilities Buy a Car
There are financial assistance programs that can help people with disabilities afford a vehicle.
1. State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Programs
✔ Some states provide financial help for a car if you need it to work.
✔ You must apply through your state’s Vocational Rehab agency.
✔ Can help with vehicle modifications (ramps, hand controls, etc.).
💡 Check your state’s VR program at NCSAB.org.
2. Nonprofit Car Donation Programs
✔ Some charities offer free or low-cost cars to people with disabilities.✔ Programs include:
1-800-Charity Cars (www.800charitycars.org)
Good News Garage (New England region)
3. Grants for Vehicle Modifications
✔ Medicaid Waivers: Some states pay for accessible vehicle modifications.
✔ VA Auto Allowance: Veterans with disabilities can get up to $24,115 toward a vehicle purchase.
✔ The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) offers grants for adaptive driving equipment.
💡 Tip: If you need a wheelchair-accessible van, look into Brailsford & Dunlavey Mobility Grants.
How to Buy a Car Without Losing SSI Benefits
If you receive SSI, you need to be careful about how you purchase a car.
✔ Buy One Car Only – Having more than one vehicle could disqualify you.
✔ Avoid Large Bank Deposits – If someone gives you money for a car, deposit it into an ABLE account instead of your bank account (to avoid exceeding SSI’s $2,000 limit).
✔ Use an ABLE Account for Car-Related Savings – ABLE accounts let you save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI.
💡 Purple helps track your bank balance so you don’t accidentally exceed SSI limits!
How Purple Helps Manage Vehicle Costs on SSI & SSDI
Buying a car means managing monthly payments, insurance, and gas expenses—Purple makes it easy!
💜 Track Your Disability Payments – Know exactly when your SSI or SSDI deposit arrives.💜 Monitor Your Bank Balance – Avoid exceeding SSI’s $2,000 asset limit.
💜 Set Up Payment Reminders – Stay on top of car loan payments, insurance, and gas expenses.
💜 Find Discounts & Financial Assistance Programs – Purple helps you find programs that offer transportation assistance for people with disabilities.
💡 With Purple, you can own a car while managing your disability benefits wisely.
FAQs About Buying a Car on SSI or SSDI
Can I Own Two Cars on SSI?
No. SSI only allows one vehicle to be exempt from asset limits. A second car could make you ineligible.
Can I Buy a Car With a Large Cash Gift While on SSI?
If you receive a large gift for a car purchase, deposit it into an ABLE account first—otherwise, it may count as income and reduce your SSI benefits.
Can I Use My SSDI Backpay to Buy a Car?
Yes! SSDI has no asset limits, so you can spend backpay on a car without losing benefits.
Can I Finance a Car While on Disability?
Yes, but it depends on your credit score and income. A cosigner may improve your chances of approval.
Conclusion: You Can Own a Car While on Disability—If You Plan Wisely
✅ SSI recipients can own ONE car without it counting against their asset limit.
✅ SSDI recipients have NO asset limits and can own multiple cars.
✅ You can finance or lease a car while on disability, but approval depends on credit & income.
✅ Nonprofit programs and grants exist to help people with disabilities afford vehicles.
✅ Use an ABLE account to legally save money for a car without affecting SSI.
💜 Sign Up for Purple to Track Your Disability Benefits & Car Expenses Easily!