With living expenses on the rise, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) remains a critical safety net for millions of low-income Americans.
In 2025, new income limits and benefit amounts have been introduced, and understanding these updated figures is key to determining whether you or a loved one can still qualify for benefits. This article breaks down every important change and rule so you don’t miss out.
What Is SSI and Who Is Eligible?
SSI is a federal assistance program designed to help aged, blind, or disabled individuals with little to no income. To be eligible for SSI in 2025, applicants must meet both income and asset thresholds set by the federal government.
To qualify, you must:
- Be age 65 or older, or
- Be blind or have a qualifying disability, and
- Have limited income and limited resources
Updated Federal SSI Benefit Rates for 2025
The monthly SSI benefit has increased slightly in 2025 due to annual cost-of-living adjustments.
Monthly Maximum SSI Payment in 2025
| Recipient Type | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| Individual | $967 |
| Eligible Couple | $1,450 |
| Essential Person | $484 |
These federal benefit rates may be even higher in states that offer state supplementary payments.
2025 SSI Income Limits
SSI eligibility is based on countable income, which includes earned and unearned income. However, not all income counts. The Social Security Administration applies income exclusions to determine how much actually affects your benefits.
Countable Income Limits for 2025
| Income Type | Individual Monthly Limit | Couple Monthly Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Earned Income | Up to $2,019 | Up to $2,837 |
| Unearned Income | Around $934 | Around $1,391 |
Earned income includes wages, salaries, and self-employment income. Unearned income includes Social Security, pensions, gifts, and other non-work-related funds.
Key exclusions:
- First $20 of any income
- First $65 of earned income, plus half of anything over that
- Food stamps and certain housing assistance
Resource Limits for SSI in 2025
Aside from income, your resources (also called assets) must fall below certain thresholds.
| Category | Limit |
|---|---|
| Individual | $2,000 |
| Couple | $3,000 |
Resources that count include:
- Cash
- Bank account balances
- Stocks and bonds
- Second properties
Resources that don’t count:
- One home you live in
- One vehicle
- Burial plots
- Household items and personal effects
Special Rules & Work Incentives
Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE)
Students under 22 may have up to $2,350 per month in earned income excluded, up to $9,460 per year.
Blind Work Expenses (BWE)
If you are blind, work-related expenses (like guide dogs, transportation, or specialized equipment) can be excluded from income calculations.
How SSI Reduces Based on Income
If you exceed income limits, your SSI benefit decreases. For example:
- If you earn $85 in wages, only $10 is counted.
- If your countable income equals the SSI federal benefit rate ($967 for individuals), your benefit drops to $0.
Application Process
You can apply for SSI:
- Online
- Over the phone
- At a Social Security office
Make sure you provide documents showing your age, income, citizenship, and medical/disability details.
2025 SSI Essentials
| Category | 2025 Amount/Limit |
|---|---|
| Individual Monthly Benefit | $967 |
| Couple Monthly Benefit | $1,450 |
| Earned Income Limit (Indiv.) | $2,019/month (approx.) |
| Resource Limit (Indiv.) | $2,000 |
| Resource Limit (Couple) | $3,000 |
| SEIE (Monthly/Annual) | $2,350 / $9,460 |
| Blind Work Expense Allowance | Deducts actual verified expenses |
SSI in 2025 continues to provide critical support for low-income individuals, but understanding the new income and resource limits is vital to maintaining eligibility.
With rising benefit amounts and clear exclusions in place, many people can still qualify—even while working part-time or receiving limited unearned income. By planning your income and understanding what counts, you can make the most of the SSI program this year.
FAQs
Can I work and still qualify for SSI in 2025?
Yes. You can work and earn up to about $2,019 per month as an individual before benefits phase out, depending on exclusions.
What happens if my resources go above the limit?
If your countable resources exceed $2,000 ($3,000 for couples), you will be ineligible for SSI until you reduce them below the threshold.
Are all types of income counted equally for SSI?
No. Some types of income are excluded or partially excluded, like the first $65 of earned income and half of earnings beyond that.