Managing money on disability benefits comes with unique challenges that most banks don't understand. The Purple debit card was designed specifically for SSI and SSDI recipients, with features that help you stay compliant while making everyday banking easier.
In this article, we'll cover:
- Why traditional bank accounts often fail disability recipients
- How Purple helps you track resources and stay within SSI limits
- Features designed specifically for representative payees
- How Purple eliminates fees that drain your benefits
- The peace of mind that comes with a benefits-friendly account
The Problem With Traditional Banks
Most banks weren't built with disability recipients in mind. They charge monthly fees that eat into limited benefits, impose minimum balance requirements that conflict with SSI's resource limits, and offer no tools to help you track whether you're staying compliant with SSA rules.
For SSI recipients especially, a single mistake—letting your balance creep above $2,000—can cost you your benefits. Traditional banks don't warn you when you're approaching limits or help you understand how your spending affects your eligibility.
Resource Tracking That Protects Your Benefits
Purple was built around the realities of SSI's $2,000 resource limit. The account includes tools that help you monitor your balance and understand where you stand relative to SSA's requirements.
Instead of anxiously checking your balance and doing mental math, you can see at a glance whether your resources are in a safe range. This visibility helps you make spending decisions with confidence, knowing you won't accidentally jeopardize your benefits.
Designed for Representative Payees
If you're a representative payee managing benefits for someone else, Purple understands your unique needs. The account makes it easier to keep beneficiary funds separate, track spending for SSA reporting requirements, and ensure you're meeting your fiduciary responsibilities.
Representative payees face strict requirements from SSA, and using the wrong type of account can create compliance headaches. Purple's design considers these requirements from the start.
No Hidden Fees Draining Your Benefits
When you're living on $914 per month in SSI benefits, a $12 monthly fee represents more than 1% of your entire income. Over a year, that's nearly $150—money that should be covering food, medicine, or other necessities.
Purple doesn't charge monthly maintenance fees, and there are no minimum balance requirements that could put your benefits at risk. Your disability benefits go toward your needs, not bank profits.
Banking That Actually Understands You
Beyond the practical features, there's value in using a financial service that was built for people in your situation. Purple's team understands the complexity of disability benefits, the stress of resource limits, and the importance of getting things right.
When questions come up, you're talking to people who know what a redetermination is, understand the difference between SSDI and SSI, and can help you navigate the intersection of banking and benefits.
Getting Started Is Simple
Opening a Purple account is straightforward. You can sign up online, set up direct deposit of your disability benefits, and start using your debit card for everyday purchases. There's no credit check, no minimum deposit, and no complicated paperwork.
Ready for a bank account that works for you? Purple is built specifically for SSI and SSDI recipients, with the features and support you actually need.