How Assets Affect SSI Eligibility

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program, meaning that eligibility depends heavily on your income and resources (including assets). The Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict limits on the amount of assets an individual or couple can have to qualify for SSI. Here’s how your assets can impact your eligibility:

SSI Asset Limits

• Individual: As of 2025, the SSI asset limit for an individual is $2,000. This means that if you own assets worth more than $2,000, you will not qualify for SSI benefits.
• Couple: The asset limit for a couple is $3,000.

What Counts as Assets?

The SSA considers various types of assets when determining eligibility for SSI, including:

• Cash
• Bank accounts
• Property (other than your primary residence)
• Investments
• Vehicles (beyond one used for transportation)

Certain assets may not count, such as:

• Your primary home
• One vehicle
• Burial plots or life insurance policies with low cash value

Exceeding the Asset Limit

If you exceed the asset limit, you may not be eligible for SSI, regardless of your disability status. It's important to understand that the SSA will review all your resources to ensure they are within the required limits.

How Assets Affect SSDI Eligibility

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), unlike SSI, is not based on financial need, so owning assets does not affect your eligibility for SSDI. Instead, SSDI eligibility is based on your work history and whether you meet the SSA’s definition of disability.

No Asset Limits for SSDI

When applying for SSDI, the SSA will not consider your assets. The key factors in determining eligibility for SSDI are:

• Work credits: You must have worked and paid into Social Security for a certain number of years to qualify for SSDI.
• Disability: You must have a condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death.

Your assets do not affect your SSDI eligibility, so even if you own a house, savings, or investments, these will not impact your SSDI application as long as you meet the work history and disability requirements.

Can Assets Affect the Amount of Disability Benefits You Receive?

While owning assets doesn’t affect your eligibility for SSDI, it can play a role in the amount of SSI you receive. Since SSI is based on both income and resources, if you have significant assets, this could reduce the amount of SSI benefits you qualify for.

• If your resources exceed the SSI asset limit, you will not qualify for any SSI benefits.
• If your resources are below the limit, the amount of SSI benefits you receive may be adjusted based on your income and the value of your assets.

What to Do If You Exceed the SSI Asset Limit

If your assets exceed the SSI asset limit, there are a few options to explore:

• Spend Down: You may be able to reduce your assets to meet the SSI limit by spending on allowable expenses (e.g., medical costs, home repairs).
• Transfer Assets: Some individuals try to transfer assets to family members or loved ones to qualify for benefits. However, transferring assets may lead to penalties or delays, and the SSA has rules regarding asset transfers that could impact your eligibility.
• Seek Legal or Professional Help: If you’re unsure how your assets affect your eligibility or need help managing your assets for SSI purposes, consider consulting with a disability attorney or financial advisor.