The $2,000 SSI resource limit trips up thousands of recipients every year. Understanding exactly what counts—and what doesn't—can help you stay compliant and keep your benefits.
In this article, we'll cover:
- The SSI resource limit basics
- What counts as a resource
- What doesn't count (exclusions)
- Common situations that cause problems
- How to stay under the limit
1. The SSI Resource Limit Basics
SSI has strict rules about what you can own:
- Individual limit: $2,000
- Married couple limit: $3,000
Resources are counted on the first day of each month. If you're over the limit on that day—even if you spend the money by the 2nd—it counts as a violation.
Important: This limit hasn't changed since 1989, making it increasingly easy to accidentally exceed.
2. What Counts as a Resource
The SSA counts these as resources:
Cash and bank accounts:
- Checking accounts
- Savings accounts
- Cash on hand
- Money market accounts
Investments:
- Stocks and bonds
- Mutual funds
- Retirement accounts (with exceptions)
Property:
- Real estate you don't live in
- Vacation homes
- Rental property
- Land
Vehicles:
- Additional cars beyond your primary one
- Recreational vehicles
- Boats
Other assets:
- Life insurance with cash value over $1,500
- Valuable collections
- Precious metals
3. What Doesn't Count (Exclusions)
These resources are NOT counted:
Your home:
- The home you live in
- The land it sits on
- Related property (garage, garden)
One vehicle:
- Your primary car for transportation
- Regardless of its value
Household goods:
- Furniture
- Appliances
- Electronics
- Clothing
Personal effects:
- Jewelry (reasonable amounts)
- Personal items
Burial funds:
- Up to $1,500 for burial expenses
- Burial plots and related items
ABLE accounts:
- First $100,000 doesn't count toward SSI
- Everything in the account is protected up to this amount
Certain property:
- Property essential for self-support
- Items being used in a PASS (Plan to Achieve Self-Support)
4. Common Situations That Cause Problems
Watch out for these scenarios:
Tax refunds: Can push you over if not spent quickly
SSA back payments: Counted after the month received
Gifts: Cash gifts count immediately
Inheritance: Must be dealt with immediately
Selling property: Sale proceeds count as resources
Joint accounts: SSA may count the entire balance as yours
Automatic savings: Bank features that accumulate money
5. How to Stay Under the Limit
Track your balance:
- Know exactly what you have
- Check before the 1st of each month
- Use alerts to warn you at $1,800
Spend strategically:
- Pay bills before the 1st
- Stock up on necessities
- Prepay expenses when possible
Use ABLE accounts:
- Save beyond $2,000 safely
- First $100,000 excluded from SSI resources
- Tax-advantaged growth
Report and document:
- Keep receipts for major purchases
- Document how you spend large amounts
- Report changes to SSA promptly
Avoid dangerous situations:
- Don't let money accumulate
- Be careful with joint accounts
- Plan for tax refunds and other windfalls
How Purple Helps
Purple is designed to help you navigate SSI's resource rules:
- Balance tracking with SSI limit awareness
- Custom alerts when approaching $2,000
- ABLE integration for safe savings
- Transaction history for documentation
- No fees that complicate your finances