Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides crucial support for adults with disabilities who have limited income and resources. Here's how to know if you qualify and what to expect.
In this article, we'll cover:
- Basic eligibility requirements
- Disability criteria
- Income limits
- Resource limits
- How to apply
1. Basic Eligibility Requirements
You must be:
- Age 65 or older, OR
- Blind, OR
- Disabled
Plus:
- Limited income
- Limited resources
- U.S. citizen or qualifying non-citizen
- Resident of the U.S.
- Not absent from the U.S. for 30+ consecutive days
For adults under 65:
- Must meet SSA's definition of disability
- Medical condition must be severe
- Expected to last 12+ months or result in death
- Prevents you from doing substantial work
2. Disability Criteria
SSA's definition:
- Unable to engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
- Due to medically determinable impairment
- Expected to last 12+ months or result in death
How SSA evaluates:
- Are you working above SGA? ($1,550/month in 2026)
- Is your condition severe?
- Does it meet a listed impairment?
- Can you do your past work?
- Can you do any other work?
The Listing of Impairments:
- SSA maintains list of qualifying conditions
- Called the "Blue Book"
- Meeting a listing may speed approval
- Can still qualify without meeting a listing
Medical evidence needed:
- Doctor's records and diagnoses
- Test results
- Treatment history
- Hospitalizations
- Medication records
Important: Strong medical documentation is crucial. See doctors regularly and keep records.
3. Income Limits
How income affects SSI:
- SSI is means-tested
- More income = lower SSI payment
- Some income is excluded
- Earned and unearned income treated differently
Unearned income:
- Reduces SSI dollar-for-dollar after $20 exclusion
- Includes other benefits, interest, gifts
- First $20 excluded
- Then SSI reduced $1 for every $1
Earned income:
- More exclusions apply
- First $65 excluded (plus unused $20)
- Then SSI reduced $1 for every $2
- Work incentives may help further
2026 Federal Benefit Rate:
- Maximum SSI: ~$967/month individual
- Income reduces this amount
- State supplements may add more
- Your payment depends on your income
4. Resource Limits
The limits:
- Individual: $2,000
- Couple (both receiving SSI): $3,000
What counts:
- Cash
- Bank accounts
- Stocks and bonds
- Real estate (not your home)
- Vehicles (beyond primary)
What doesn't count:
- Your home
- One vehicle (usually)
- Household goods
- Personal effects
- Burial funds (up to $1,500)
- ABLE account funds (first $100,000)
The timing:
- Resources counted on the 1st of each month
- That's the snapshot date
- Plan accordingly
5. How to Apply
Where to apply:
- Online at ssa.gov (limited for SSI)
- In person at local Social Security office
- By phone: 1-800-772-1213
What you'll need:
- Social Security number
- Birth certificate or proof of age
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status
- Medical information (doctors, hospitals, medications)
- Work history
- Financial information (bank accounts, income sources)
The process:
- Initial application
- SSA reviews for technical eligibility
- State agency (DDS) evaluates disability
- Decision made (can take months)
- If denied, you can appeal
Tips for applying:
- Be thorough with medical information
- List all conditions, not just the main one
- Include mental health conditions
- Get your doctors to support your application
- Don't give up if denied initially
After Approval
What to expect:
- Determination of payment amount
- Back pay for months of eligibility
- Monthly payments going forward
- Continuing disability reviews
Your responsibilities:
- Report changes promptly
- Keep resources under limit
- Follow treatment
- Respond to SSA requests
How Purple Helps
- Early access to monthly payments
- Resource limit tracking
- ABLE account integration
- Clear record keeping
- Simple, no-fee banking