Understand the SSI Income Limits

The income limit for SSI is based on your countable income. Countable income is the money you earn from working, as well as other sources like unearned income (e.g., gifts, rental income, or money from friends or family). However, the SSA doesn’t count all income. Some income is excluded, which can help you remain eligible for benefits even if you have some earnings.

What Counts as Income for SSI?

Not all income is counted when determining eligibility for SSI benefits. The SSA will look at both earned income (from work) and unearned income (from other sources). Here’s what is considered countable income:

• Earned Income: This includes wages, salaries, and net earnings from self-employment.
• Unearned Income: This includes Social Security benefits, pensions, gifts, interest, rental income, and other non-work-related income.

How Much Can You Earn and Still Qualify for SSI?

In general, the SSI income limit for an individual is set at $914 per month (in 2025), while a couple can earn up to $1,371 per month. However, the actual amount you can earn and still be eligible depends on how much of your income is considered countable.

• Earned Income Exclusion: The SSA excludes the first $65 of your earned income and then deducts half of the remaining earned income.
• For example:
• If you earn $1,000 in a month, the SSA will exclude the first $65. Then, they will deduct half of the remaining $935 (which is $467.50). Your countable income would be $402.50.
• Unearned Income Exclusion: The first $20 of unearned income (such as a gift or other non-work-related income) is not counted.

Income Limits and Work Incentives

If you’re working while receiving SSI, there are additional work incentives that allow you to keep your benefits even if your income exceeds the basic limits. These work incentives include:

• The Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE): If you’re under 22 and regularly attending school, the first $2,220 per month (up to $8,950 per year) of your earned income may not be counted.
• The Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS): This program allows you to set aside income and resources to achieve a work goal, such as going to school or starting a business, and it won’t count against your SSI eligibility.
• The Blind Work Expense (BWE): If you are blind, you may be able to exclude expenses that are necessary to work (e.g., transportation or equipment) from your income.

How Does the SSA Calculate Your SSI Benefits?

Your countable income will be subtracted from the federal benefit rate (FBR), which is the maximum amount you can receive in SSI. In 2025, the FBR is $914 for an individual and $1,371 for a couple. If your countable income is less than the FBR, you will receive the difference as your SSI benefit.

For example:

• If you have $402.50 in countable income and the FBR is $914, your SSI benefit would be $914 - $402.50 = $511.50.

Reporting Your Income to the SSA

It’s crucial to report any income you earn to the Social Security Administration. Failing to report income could result in overpayments, which you may be required to pay back, or a loss of benefits.

• Report Monthly Earnings: You should report your earnings to the SSA every month, even if you don’t earn enough to reduce your benefits.
• Changes in Other Income: Report any changes to unearned income, like pensions, child support, or Social Security benefits, as well.