What Are Resources for SSI?

In terms of SSI, resources are defined as things you own that can be turned into cash, such as:

• Bank accounts (checking, savings)
• Real estate (other than your home)
• Stocks, bonds, and other investments
• Cash, jewelry, and personal property

The SSA sets limits on the value of your resources, which can affect whether you’re eligible for SSI benefits. If you exceed these resource limits, you may no longer qualify for SSI.

Resource Limits for SSI

As of 2025, the resource limits for SSI are:

• $2,000 for an individual
• $3,000 for a couple

This means that the total value of your countable resources cannot exceed $2,000 (or $3,000 for a couple) in order to remain eligible for SSI benefits. Some resources, however, are excluded from these limits.

What Can You Own on SSI?

Even though there are limits on the value of your resources, certain items are not counted when determining SSI eligibility. These excluded resources include:

Your Primary Residence

You can own your home without it affecting your SSI eligibility. The SSA does not count the value of your primary residence as part of your resources. However, if you have a second home or property, its value may be counted toward your resource limit.

One Vehicle

You can own one vehicle (such as a car, truck, or motorcycle) and not have it count as a resource for SSI purposes. The vehicle must be used for transportation and be essential to your daily activities (e.g., getting to doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping). However, if you own more than one vehicle, the value of the additional vehicles could be counted as a resource.

Personal Property

Items like clothing, household goods, and personal effects are not counted as resources. This includes things like:

• Furniture
• Appliances
• Personal items (e.g., clothing, jewelry, or tools for work)

Life Insurance with a Cash Value

The value of life insurance policies is counted as a resource, but the first $1,500 in cash value of one life insurance policy is excluded. If you have more than one life insurance policy, its combined cash value will be counted as part of your resources.

Burial Spaces and Funds

Burial plots and funds designated for burial expenses are not counted as resources, as long as they are within certain limits. For instance, burial plots or burial funds for you or your spouse will not be counted, but you should keep within the allowable limits for these resources.

Certain Work-Related Items

Work-related items or tools you need for your job (such as equipment or tools for a trade) may also be excluded from the resource limit, as long as they are essential for you to perform your work.

What Resources Count Against the Limit?

Some resources are counted by the SSA and will be included when determining your SSI eligibility. These may include:

• Cash: Money in a bank account or cash on hand.
• Bank accounts: Savings, checking, or credit union accounts.
• Stocks, bonds, and other investments: Stocks, bonds, or other investments that can be converted into cash.
• Other property: Real estate or other property you own, aside from your primary residence.

If you have resources (other than your excluded items) that total more than the allowed limit, your SSI benefits will be affected.