SSI Benefits

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a government program that provides benefits to low income people who are unable to work due to a disability, blindness, or are over 65. The program is administered through the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSI is for individuals who are unable to work but have not earned enough income to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which provides benefits to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability and have paid into the Social Security system.

Income Limits for SSI

The SSA has limits on the amount of income a recipient can earn. This includes employment income, pension, or dividend income. SSA does not include income such as gifts or loans from friends or relatives, money paid by others for other than food or shelter, the value of government assistance for food, shelter, or utilities. Assistance from the state and non-profit agencies also do not count as income for SSI recipients and will not lower or eliminate SSI benefits. In some cases, it is possible to receive both SSI and SSDI benefits.

Asset Limits for SSI

There are also limits on assets in order to be eligible for SSI. The limit is $2000 for a single recipient and $3,000 for a couple receiving SSI benefits. This is known as the resource limit. A home that is used as a primary residence and one car can be excluded from the resource limit.

Medical Coverage

Medicaid coverage is available to SSI recipients. In most states an application for SSI can also automatically submitted for Medicaid. In others there is a separate process for applying for Medicaid coverage, but in all cases, SSI recipients do qualify for Medicaid.