Social Security Announces Key Exceptions To SSI Income And Resource Limits For 2025

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), provides financial assistance to individuals with limited income and resources who are aged, blind, or disabled.

To qualify, applicants must meet specific income and resource criteria. However, the SSA has outlined several exceptions to these limits, allowing certain assets and income to be excluded from consideration.

Understanding SSI Income and Resource Limits

As of 2025, the general SSI eligibility criteria are as follows:

• Income Limits:
  • Individual: Monthly income less than $987.
  • Couple: Monthly income less than $1,450.
• Resource Limits:
  • Individual: Resources not exceeding $2,000.
  • Couple: Resources not exceeding $3,000.

Note: Income includes wages, pensions, and Social Security benefits, while resources encompass assets like bank accounts and additional vehicles.

Exceptions to Income Limits

The SSA does not count certain types of income when determining SSI eligibility. Key exceptions include:

• State SSI Supplement Payments: Additional payments provided by some states to SSI recipients.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits: Formerly known as food stamps, these benefits are excluded.
• Section 8 Housing Vouchers: Assistance for housing is not considered income.
• Rent Rebates or Property Tax Refunds: Refunds related to housing costs are excluded.
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Financial assistance from TANF is not counted.
• Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE): For individuals with disabilities, certain expenses related to work are excluded.
• Blind Work Expenses (BWE): Specific work-related expenses for individuals who are blind are not counted.

Exceptions to Resource Limits

Certain resources are excluded from SSI eligibility calculations:

• Primary Residence: The home and land where you live are not counted.
• One Vehicle: One vehicle per household is excluded, regardless of its value.
• Personal Belongings and Household Goods: Most personal items are not considered resources.
• Property You Cannot Sell or Use: Assets that cannot be converted to cash are excluded.

State Variations in Income Limits

Some states have higher SSI income limits due to varying costs of living. If you reside in one of these states, you may qualify under a higher income threshold:

• Arkansas
• California
• Delaware
• Washington, D.C.
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New York
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Utah
• Vermont

Summary of SSI Income and Resource Exceptions

Understanding the exceptions to SSI income and resource limits is crucial for applicants and beneficiaries.

These exclusions can significantly impact eligibility and benefit amounts, ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most. For personalized guidance, consider consulting with an SSA representative or a qualified benefits advisor.

FAQs

What types of income are excluded when determining SSI eligibility?

The SSA excludes several types of income, including state SSI supplement payments, SNAP benefits, Section 8 housing vouchers, rent rebates or property tax refunds, TANF, and certain work-related expenses for individuals with disabilities or blindness.

Are all personal assets counted toward the SSI resource limit?

No, the SSA excludes certain personal assets, such as your primary residence, one vehicle per household, most personal belongings and household goods, and property that cannot be sold or used.

Do SSI income limits vary by state?

Yes, some states have higher SSI income limits due to differences in the cost of living. States with higher limits include California, New York, and others listed above.