Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program run by the Social Security Administration that helps people who are hard up financially. SSI was created in January 1974 to replace and consolidate three similar assistance programs. It provides relief to those who are blind, disabled, or age 65 and older and have minimal income and resources.
SSI is available for individuals who don’t earn more than $2,019 from work each month. (The cap increases if you’re married or applying for your child or children, or decreases if you’re disabled. ) The rules for qualifying for this assistance can be complex.
Are you wondering if you can work while receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? Maybe you’re concerned about losing your benefits if you earn too much? I get these questions a lot from readers, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. The good news is that yes, you can definitely work while on SSI – but there are specific income limits you need to understand.
In this comprehensive guide I’ll break down exactly how much money you can make while still qualifying for SSI benefits in 2025 what counts as income, and some special work incentives that might help you keep more of your money.
What is SSI and Who Qualifies?
Before diving into income limits, let’s make sure we’re clear on what SSI actually is.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program managed by the Social Security Administration that provides financial assistance to people who
- Are blind
- Have disabilities
- Are 65 or older
- Have limited income and resources
SSI was created back in 1974 to replace and consolidate three similar assistance programs. The goal is to help those who are financially struggling meet their basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.
SSI Income Limits for 2025
The Social Security Administration has strict rules about how much money people can make before they can get SSI. As of 2025, these are the limits.
- Individual earned income limit: $2,019 per month
- Married couple earned income limit: Higher than individual (varies based on circumstances)
- Disabled individuals: $1,550 per month
- For children: Higher than individual (based on parental income)
Remember, these limits apply to “countable income” – which isn’t necessarily everything you earn! The SSA divides income into four different categories:
- Earned income: Wages from work or self-employment
- Unearned income: Social Security benefits, pensions, unemployment, gifts
- In-kind support: Food or housing someone provides to you for free
- Deemed income: Income from spouse or parents (if you’re under 18)
What Income Doesn’t Count Toward SSI Limits?
The good news is that not all income counts against your SSI eligibility! The Social Security Administration says that the following types of income will not count in 2025:
- The first $20 of most income received in a month
- The first $65 of earned income plus HALF of anything over $65 in a month
- SNAP benefits (food stamps)
- Home energy assistance
- Tax refunds
- Loans that you have to repay
- Scholarships or grants used for educational expenses
- Disaster assistance
- The first $2,000 of compensation from clinical trials
- Money someone else spends on expenses other than food/shelter
For example, if you earn $317 in gross wages in a month, your countable income would only be $116 after these exclusions. That’s a big difference!
Resource Limits for SSI
To get SSI, you need more than just a certain amount of income. You also need to meet resource limits. There are things you own that you could sell for money, such as:
- Bank accounts
- Investments
- Real estate (other than your primary home)
- Vehicles (beyond one)
In 2025, the resource limits are:
- $2,000 for individuals
- $3,000 for couples
However, not everything you own counts toward this limit. These resources are excluded:
- Your primary home
- One vehicle
- Household goods and personal effects
- Burial funds up to $1,500 ($3,000 for married couples)
- Life insurance policies with face value up to $1,500
SSI Work Incentives: Earn More While Keeping Benefits
The Social Security Administration wants people who get SSI to work! They have a number of programs that can help you make money without losing any of your benefits:
Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE)
If you’re a student under 22, you can earn up to $2,350 per month (maximum of $9,460 per year) without affecting your SSI benefits. This is huge for young people wanting to work part-time or do internships!
Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)
The PASS program lets you set aside income for education or job training without it counting against your SSI eligibility. It’s a great way to invest in your future without losing current support.
Blind Work Expenses (BWE)
If you’re legally blind, work-related expenses can be deducted before your countable income is calculated. This includes things like:
- Transportation to work
- Guide dog expenses
- Assistive technology
- Even meals consumed at work
Surprisingly, these expenses don’t even have to be related to your blindness to qualify!
Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE)
Similar to BWE, if you have a disability, certain work-related expenses can be excluded from your income calculations:
- Medications
- Counseling services
- Car modifications
- Assistive technology
- Special tools or services needed for employment
How SSI Payments Are Calculated
Let’s look at how the Social Security Administration actually calculates your SSI benefit:
- They start with your total income
- Subtract income that doesn’t count
- The result is your “countable income”
- Subtract your countable income from the SSI Federal benefit rate
As of 2025, the SSI Federal benefit rate is $967 per month for individuals.
Real-World Examples
Example 1: Unearned Income
- Social Security benefit: $300
- Subtract $20 (income exclusion): $280 countable income
- SSI Federal benefit rate: $967
- Minus countable income: $280
- Your SSI benefit: $687
Example 2: Earned Income
- Gross wages: $317
- Subtract $20 (general exclusion): $297
- Subtract $65 (earned income exclusion): $232
- Divide remaining by 2: $116 countable income
- SSI Federal benefit rate: $967
- Minus countable income: $116
- Your SSI benefit: $851
These examples show how earned income is treated more favorably than unearned income – a real incentive to work!
Other SSI Eligibility Requirements
Besides income and resource limits, there are other requirements for SSI:
- You must be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
- You must live in the U.S. (including D.C. or Northern Mariana Islands)
- You can’t leave the U.S. for 30+ consecutive days
- You must receive payments electronically
How to Apply for SSI
Ready to apply? The Social Security Administration provides an application form online. You can also visit your local Social Security office (call ahead for an appointment).
When applying, be prepared to provide:
- Proof of age
- Proof of citizenship
- Financial records
- Medical records (if applying based on disability)
My Advice: Take Advantage of Work Incentives
From my experience helping readers navigate SSI, I strongly recommend taking advantage of the work incentives if possible. Many people don’t realize how much more they can earn through programs like SEIE, PASS, and IRWE.
I’ve seen clients who were afraid to work because they thought they’d immediately lose their benefits, only to discover they could actually significantly improve their financial situation by working part-time while keeping most of their SSI.
The key is understanding exactly what counts as income and what doesn’t. The exclusions can make a huge difference in your countable income!
Final Thoughts
Navigating SSI income limits can feel overwhelming at first, but once you understand the basics, it makes much more sense. The most important things to remember are:
- The 2025 earned income limit is $2,019 for individuals
- Not all income counts toward this limit
- There are special incentives for students and working individuals
- Resource limits ($2,000 for individuals/$3,000 for couples) apply alongside income limits
If you’re unsure about your specific situation, I always recommend calling the Social Security Administration directly at 1-800-772-1213. They can provide personalized guidance based on your exact circumstances.
Have you had experience working while receiving SSI? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE)
This income exemption is similar to the exemption provided to blind individuals. Wages that are used to purchase or pay for certain items or services that allow you to work are exempt from income calculations.
According to the Social Security Administration, the following types of costs can be taken out of a person’s earned income:
- Co-pays
- Medications
- Counseling services
- Car modifications
- People with disabilities use software programs and computer support services as well as other assistive technology to do their jobs.
- Special tools that were made to work with the person’s disability or services for an attendant
Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)
“Another important program is the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS),” Bennett says. “It enables SSI beneficiaries to set aside money toward education or job training only. PASS funds aren’t considered as income, so an individual can use the money to enroll in vocational activities and still be eligible for SSI. ”.
SOCIAL SECURITY 2022 : HOW MUCH CAN I EARN WHILE ON SOCIAL SECURITY IN 2022 ?
FAQ
How much can I make working and still receive full SSI?
To receive full Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you generally cannot earn more than $2,019 per month from work in 2025, though this amount varies based on family status and disability. However, this is a complex calculation, as not all of your earnings count toward the limit. For example, a general $20 exclusion and an additional $65 exclusion for earned income are subtracted, as is any Impairment Related Work Expense (IRWE).
How much money can you make and still get SSI in 2025?
It will depend on your situation and the type of income you have in 2025 how much you can earn and still get Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You can keep the first $20 of any income and the first $65 of earned income from work, plus half of any amount over $65, and still receive a reduced SSI payment.
How much money can I make without affecting my social security in 2022?
| Year | Amount |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $142,800 |
| 2022 | $147,000 |
| 2023 | $160,200 |
| 2024 | $168,600 |