How to Choose the Right Disability Bank Account (And What to Avoid)

If you’re living on SSI or SSDI, opening a regular checking account isn’t always simple. You need a disability bank account that protects your benefits, avoids hidden fees, and gives you the tools to stay financially stable.

But not all accounts are created equal — and choosing the wrong one could cost you time, money, and even your benefits.

Here’s what to look for, what to avoid, and how Purple is changing the game for people with disabilities.

Why You Need a Specialized Disability Bank Account

Most traditional bank accounts aren’t designed with disability benefits in mind. If you rely on government income, you need an account that:

• Works seamlessly with Social Security direct deposit

• Helps you avoid going over the $2,000 SSI asset limit

• Doesn’t charge surprise fees for low balances

• Supports budgeting and benefit-related income tracking

• Respects the unique financial constraints of disabled adults

Without these protections, it’s easy to run into issues — like getting hit with overdraft charges or losing benefits for having too much in your account.

Features to Look For

When evaluating a disability bank account, make sure it offers:

1. Direct Deposit for Government Benefits

The account should accept SSI, SSDI, or VA benefits and post them as early as possible.

2. Balance & Income Tracking

A good disability-focused account will help you monitor how close you are to the SSI resource limit or SGA income thresholds.

3. Spending Controls

Look for daily and monthly spend limits or tools to restrict spending by category.

4. Document Storage

You should be able to save SSA letters, paystubs, and receipts in one place to help with reviews or audits.

5. ABLE Account Integration

The best bank accounts for people with disabilities should either connect to an ABLE account or make it easy to open one.

What to Avoid

Not every account marketed as a disability bank account actually helps protect your benefits. Watch out for:

• Prepaid cards that limit what you can do or charge unexpected fees

• Accounts with monthly minimums or balance requirements

• Banks that don’t understand SSA rules or flag government benefits as suspicious

• Apps that ignore disability-related needs like reporting, accessibility, or benefit-safe tools

If it wasn’t built with SSI or SSDI in mind, it’s probably not the right fit.

Why Purple Is Different

Purple is more than just a bank account — it’s a platform designed specifically for people with disabilities.

With Purple, you can:

• Receive Social Security disability benefits, which may arrive up to 4 days early¹

• Get other direct deposits, like paychecks, which may arrive up to 2 days early¹

• Monitor your balance and income in real time

• Set spending limits and avoid going over SSA thresholds

• Store SSA letters, paystubs, and documentation

• (Coming soon) Open and manage your ABLE account directly in the app

Get started today at withpurple.com

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, depends on payer timing, and standard processing times may apply. 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.