What Counts as a Resource for SSI?
- Purple
- Mar 30
- 4 min read
A simple guide to staying under the $2,000 asset limit in 2025
Introduction: Why Your Resources Matter for SSI
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you probably know there’s a strict rule:
⚠️ You can’t have more than $2,000 in resources if you’re single, or $3,000 if you’re married.
But what exactly does the SSA mean by “resources”?
💡 Some things you own count. Others don’t. And misunderstanding the rules can put your benefits at risk—even if you’re not doing anything wrong.
In this post, we’ll explain:
✅ What the SSA counts as a resource
✅ What’s excluded from the $2,000 limit
✅ Common mistakes that cause overpayments
✅ How to stay under the limit
✅ How Purple helps you track your balance and stay compliant
1. What Does SSA Count as a Resource for SSI?
A “resource” is anything you own that can be converted to cash to pay for food or shelter.
✅ Countable Resources Include:
💵 Cash (including physical cash on hand)
🏦 Bank accounts (checking, savings, digital wallets like PayPal or Venmo)
💳 Prepaid debit cards (if you control the balance)
📈 Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, crypto
🚗 A second vehicle (if it’s not your main transportation)
🏡 Property that isn’t your primary residence
👗 Valuable personal items (jewelry, collectibles, tools if not used for work)
📌 The total value of these resources must be under $2,000 at the end of each month to stay eligible for SSI.
2. What Resources Are NOT Counted?
SSA does not count everything you own. Some assets are considered excluded resources.
❌ Excluded Resources:
🏠 Your primary home (the one you live in)
🚗 One vehicle (if it’s used for transportation)
🧼 Basic household goods (furniture, clothing, appliances)
💊 Assistive devices (wheelchairs, medical equipment)
💰 Funds in an ABLE account (up to $100,000)
⚰️ Burial plots and prepaid burial funds (up to certain limits)
📑 Retroactive SSI/SSDI payments (excluded for 9 months)
🍼 Grants or gifts intended for educational or health purposes
💡 Many people accidentally go over the limit because they don’t realize what “counts.” If in doubt, SSA probably counts it—unless they specifically say otherwise.
3. Common Mistakes That Push People Over the Limit
⚠️ Unspent SSI payments piling upEven though your benefit doesn’t count as income the day it hits your account, it becomes a resource if it’s still there next month.
⚠️ Gifts from family or friendsIf someone sends you money and you don’t spend it right away, it could put you over the limit.
⚠️ Holding money in multiple placesCash in a drawer + money in your account + balance on a prepaid card = your total resources.
⚠️ Overlooking linked accountsJoint accounts (even if the money isn’t yours) can count against your limit unless you can prove ownership.
4. What Happens If You Go Over the $2,000 Limit?
If your countable resources go over $2,000 at the end of a month:
SSA may suspend your SSI benefits
You could be overpaid, and they may ask for the money back
You’ll need to spend down to get benefits started again
📌 If you’re only over the limit for one month, you may just lose that month’s check. If you’re over for longer, you could lose eligibility entirely.
5. How to Stay Under the Limit Safely
✅ Use an ABLE Account
In 2025, you can save:
Up to $19,000/year in an ABLE account
+ $15,060 more if you’re working (ABLE to Work program)
ABLE funds don’t count against the $2,000 SSI resource limit (up to $100,000 total). You can use them for rent, food, medical costs, and more.
✅ Monitor Your Balance Daily
You need to know what’s in your account on the last day of every month—that’s what SSA checks.
✅ Spend Down Excess Funds
If your balance creeps close to $2,000:
Buy groceries
Pay rent or utilities early
Restock household essentials
Put funds into an ABLE account (if you have one)
6. How Purple Helps You Stay Under the SSI Limit
Purple was built for people on benefits—and we understand how important it is to track your resources with precision.
💜 Real-Time Balance Tracking – Know exactly how much is in your account
💜 SSI Limit Alerts – Get a heads-up when you’re close to $2,000
💜 Transaction Tagging – Show how your money is being used (e.g., food, rent, transportation)
💜 ABLE Account Tools – Track contributions and link to your Purple account
💜 Document Storage – Keep SSA letters and receipts for reviews
📌 Whether you’re new to SSI or navigating a redetermination, Purple helps you stay compliant and confident.
7. FAQs About Countable Resources and SSI
⚠️ Does SSA check my bank account?
Yes—SSA can request your bank records at any time, especially during redeterminations.
⚠️ What if I’m over the limit for just one day?
SSA only checks your balance at the end of the month—but if you're over on that day, it counts.
⚠️ Can I give away money to stay under the limit?
No—giving away assets to stay under the limit may result in a penalty.
⚠️ How does Purple help me stay below the $2,000 limit?
Purple tracks your balance in real time, alerts you when you’re close, and helps you spend down responsibly.
Conclusion: Know What Counts and Stay Compliant
✅ The SSI resource limit hasn’t changed since 1989—it’s still $2,000.
✅ Know what SSA considers a resource (and what they don’t)
✅ Use ABLE accounts and spending strategies to protect your benefits
✅ Purple gives you the tools you need to stay below the limit and stress-free
💜 Open a Purple account today to stay under the SSI limit, track your balance, and protect your benefits—all in one place.