The SSI resource limit is one of the most important rules for SSI recipients to understand. Going over—even by a few dollars—can cost you benefits. Here's what you need to know for 2026.
In this article, we'll cover:
- The current SSI resource limit
- What counts as a resource
- What doesn't count
- How to stay under the limit
1. The Current SSI Resource Limit
2026 limits:
- Individual: $2,000
- Couple: $3,000
When it's checked:
- As of the 1st of each month
- That's the snapshot date
- Your balance on the 1st determines compliance
If you exceed the limit:
- Benefits suspended for that month
- May owe an overpayment
- Must spend down to regain eligibility
- Could affect Medicaid in some states
Important: These limits haven't changed since 1989, though there are ongoing efforts to increase them.
2. What Counts as a Resource
Cash and accounts:
- Checking accounts
- Savings accounts
- Money market accounts
- Cash on hand
Investments:
- Stocks and bonds
- Mutual funds
- Retirement accounts (varies)
- CDs
Property:
- Real estate (other than your home)
- Land
- Vacation properties
Other assets:
- Life insurance cash value over $1,500
- Vehicles beyond your primary one
- Collectibles with significant value
3. What Doesn't Count
Your home:
- Primary residence excluded
- Any value
- Must be where you live
One vehicle:
- Usually excluded entirely
- Used for transportation
- Any value in most cases
Personal property:
- Household goods
- Clothing
- Furniture
- Personal effects
ABLE accounts:
- First $100,000 excluded
- Specifically for people with disabilities
- Tax-advantaged savings
Other exclusions:
- Burial funds (up to $1,500)
- Burial plots
- Some retroactive benefits
- Property essential to self-support
4. How to Stay Under the Limit
Track your balance:
- Check before the 1st of each month
- Know exactly where you stand
- Build in a safety buffer
Spend strategically:
- Pay bills before the 1st
- Buy needed items
- Prepay rent or utilities
- Stock up on groceries
Use an ABLE account:
- Move excess funds to ABLE
- Doesn't count toward the $2,000
- Grows tax-free
- Use for qualified expenses
Time large purchases:
- If receiving back pay, spend before the 1st
- Plan major purchases around your benefit cycle
- Keep receipts for documentation
If you go over:
- Spend down immediately
- Report to SSA
- Request a waiver if hardship
- Don't ignore it
How Purple Helps
Purple makes resource tracking easy:
- See your countable balance in real-time
- Get alerts before the 1st
- ABLE account integration
- Clear spending history
- Stay compliant automatically