How Much Can I Earn While on SSI?
- Purple
- 20 minutes ago
- 3 min read
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may be wondering how much money you’re allowed to earn from work without losing your benefits. The rules can feel confusing, but the Social Security Administration (SSA) does let you work — and even encourages it.
This guide breaks down the basics so you know exactly what counts, what doesn’t, and how much income you can earn while keeping your benefits.
We’ll cover:
SSI income rules in simple terms
How much you can make before your benefits are reduced
What income does not count
Examples so you can calculate your earnings
How Purple can help you manage your SSI safely
1. Does SSI Allow You to Work?
Yes. You can work and still receive SSI benefits, as long as your income and resources stay below certain limits.
SSI is a needs-based program, meaning the amount you receive depends on:
Your countable income
Your countable resources (assets), which generally must stay below $2,000 for individuals
Working will not automatically cause you to lose SSI.
2. How Much Can You Earn on SSI?
SSA does not have a single “earnings limit” that cuts off benefits. Instead, your SSI payment is reduced gradually as your earned income goes up.
The formula is:
SSA ignores the first $65 you earn, plus half of the rest.
This is often called the $65 and 50% rule for earned income.
3. What Income Does SSI Count?
SSI counts:
Wages from a job (W‑2)
Self‑employment or gig work
Bonuses, commissions, and tips
Certain in‑kind support (like free food or rent in some cases)
SSI does not count all income; some is excluded.
4. What Income Does SSI Not Count?
SSA does not count:
The first $20 of most income (general exclusion)
The first $65 of earned income, plus half of everything after
SNAP / food stamps
Income tax refunds
ABLE account balances
One vehicle used for transportation
Gifts of non-cash items (like a used wheelchair or clothing)
5. Examples: How Earnings Affect SSI Payments
Example 1: You earn $300 in a month
$300 earned
– $65 earned income exclusion
= $235
SSA counts half: $235 ÷ 2 = $117.50
Your SSI check is reduced by $117.50.
Example 2: You earn $1,000 in a month
$1,000
– $65
= $935
$935 ÷ 2 = $467.50 countable income
Your SSI payment is reduced by $467.50.
Example 3: You get a $20 general income exclusion + wages
If you only have wages, SSA typically applies the $20 and $65 exclusions together, for $85 total before the 50% rule.
6. Important: Stay Below the Asset Limit
SSI has a strict asset (resource) limit:
$2,000 for individuals
$3,000 for couples
If your bank balance goes over this limit — even for one day — SSI could be paused or terminated.
This is why many people use ABLE accounts or track their balances closely.
7. How Purple Helps You Stay Compliant
Purple is a banking platform built specifically for people on disability benefits, including SSI.
With Purple, you get:
Balance tracking to help stay under $2,000
Direct deposit up to 4 days early¹
Alerts and spending tools designed for SSI users
Support for rep payee and dedicated accounts
Options to connect with ABLE savings
It’s a smarter way to manage money while on SSI.
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.