Find Out If You Qualify for Supplemental Security Income from Social Security

An estimated 40% of all ABLE United account owners receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – a monthly cash payment to help cover the cost of basic needs like food, clothing and shelter.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides monthly SSI payments to adults and children with disabilities who have low income and few resources, and people who are age 65 or older without disabilities who meet the financial limits. People who have worked long enough may also qualify to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or retirement benefits in addition to SSI.

SSI Eligibility

One of the factors SSA looks at when determining SSI eligibility is income. Income is money you receive, such as wages, Social Security benefits and pensions. Income also includes things like food and shelter if being provided by somebody else.

The other factor SSA reviews is resources. Resources are things you own, including real estate (not counting the home you live in), bank accounts, cash, stocks and bonds – which are counted when deciding if you qualify for SSI. You may be able to get SSI if your resources are worth $2,000 or less. A couple may be able to get SSI if they have resources worth $3,000 or less. If you own property that you are trying to sell, you may be able to get SSI while trying to sell it.

SSA will not count economic impact payments, also known as coronavirus stimulus payments, as income for SSI. You can learn more about qualifying for SSI by reading the publication Supplemental Security Income.

Combining SSI with ABLE United

When it comes to ABLE accounts, it’s important to remember that income that is directly deposited still counts as income – and generally, the first $100,000 in an ABLE account does not count as a resource for SSI purposes.

If you’re an adult with a disability intending to file for both SSI and SSDI, you can apply online today for both benefits at the same time if you:

• Are between the ages of 18 and 65.
• Have never been married.
• Are a U.S. citizen residing in one of the 50 states, District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands.
• Haven’t applied for or received SSI benefits in the past.