What Counts as Income for SSI?

Understand what the SSA considers income—and how to stay eligible for benefits

Introduction: Not All Income Is Created Equal (According to SSA)

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or are applying for it, you’ve probably asked:

💸 “Does this count as income?”

📦 “What about cash gifts or Venmo?”

📉 “Could this deposit make me lose my benefits?”

The short answer:

✅ Yes—many types of money you receive count as income under SSI rules.

⚠️ And if your income goes over certain limits, your monthly SSI payment could be reduced—or stop completely.

In this post, we’ll break down:

✅ What counts as income for SSI

✅ What doesn’t

✅ How income affects your monthly check

✅ How Purple helps you track it all and avoid surprises

1. Why Income Matters for SSI

SSI is a needs-based program, meaning your monthly check depends on:

• Your income

• Your resources (savings, assets)

• Your living situation

The more income you receive in a given month, the less SSI you may qualify for that month.

📌 SSA requires you to report all income, even gifts, support, or gig work.

2. What Counts as Income for SSI?

SSA defines income as anything you receive that can be used for food or shelter. This includes:

✅ Earned Income

• Wages from a job

• Tips

• Gig work (Uber, DoorDash, etc.)

• Self-employment income

• Internship stipends

✅ Unearned Income

• Social Security benefits (like SSDI)

• Unemployment benefits

• Child support

• Gifts of cash

• Money from family or friends

• Dividends or interest

✅ In-Kind Support & Maintenance

• Someone pays your rent or utilities

• You live with someone rent-free

• You get meals or housing without paying for them

📌 SSA may reduce your SSI check by up to one-third if someone covers your basic living costs.

3. What Doesn’t Count as Income?

Not everything you receive counts against your SSI. Some common exclusions include:

❌ Exempt Funds

• The first $20 of unearned income per month

• The first $65 of earned income per month (plus half of the rest)

• Tax refunds and credits

• Food from a food pantry or SNAP

• Assistance from certain programs (LIHEAP, housing subsidies, etc.)

• Up to $100,000 in an ABLE account

💡 Even if something doesn’t count as income, it may still affect your resource limit (the $2,000 cap for individuals).

4. How Income Affects Your SSI Payment

SSA uses this formula to adjust your check:

➕ Start with the full SSI benefit

• $967/month in 2025 for individuals

➖ Subtract countable income

💡 Only part of your earned income is counted (after exclusions), but unearned income reduces SSI dollar-for-dollar after the first $20.

📌 Example:If you receive $200 from a family member, SSA will reduce your SSI by $180.

5. How to Report Income (And Why It Matters)

📅 You must report any income by the 6th of the following month.Missing a report can lead to:

• ⚠️ Overpayments

• ⚠️ Benefit reductions

• ⚠️ Losing eligibility

You can report income:

• Through the my Social Security account

• Using the SSA mobile app (for SSI wages)

• By calling or visiting your local SSA office

6. How Purple Helps You Track Income and Stay Compliant

💜 Smart Deposit Tagging

Know which deposits came from SSA, work, family, or other sources

💜 Real-Time Balance Tracking

See if you're nearing the $2,000 asset limit (which also affects SSI)

💜 Document Storage

Upload pay stubs, SSA notices, and reporting receipts in one place

FAQs About SSI Income Rules

⚠️ Does money from friends or family count?

Yes—cash gifts or direct payments from others are unearned income and must be reported.

⚠️ Do PayPal or Venmo deposits count?

Yes—SSA may count digital transfers as income if you can use them for food or shelter.

⚠️ What if I forgot to report something?

Report it as soon as possible. SSA may adjust your benefit or issue an overpayment notice.

⚠️ What’s the best way to track my income?

Use Purple to tag and monitor all your deposits in real time—so you never lose track.

Conclusion: Know What Counts—And Stay in Control

✅ Many types of income can reduce your SSI

✅ Report all cash gifts, support, and wages

✅ Use exclusions and ABLE accounts to protect eligibility

✅ Purple helps you track it all with smart tools and real-time alerts

💜 Sign up for Purple and stay compliant, confident, and in control of your SSI.