How do I qualify for Supplemental Security Income or SSI benefits?

Qualifying for SSI still requires you to prove you are disabled, but it also has both income and asset restriction guidelines.


Income Guidelines for SSI
SSI is a need-based program, so there is not only a limit on your income, but also on your assets and unearned income. In 2021, the income limit for SSI is $791 for an individual and $1,191 for couples. This amount may increase from time to time due to Social Security cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs). You also cannot have more than $2,000 in assets ($3,000 per couple) to qualify for SSI.

The guidelines for the sources of income that affect your SSI are complex. For example, wages you earn, unemployment benefits, Social Security retirement benefits, gifts from friends, and free food or shelter will affect your SSI eligibility; whereas, sources such as loans, food stamps, tax refunds and other public, need-based benefits do not.

Determining whether you qualify for SSI is often difficult to do on your own. If you think you may qualify for SSI benefits or need help figuring out if you are eligible, call Chad Brown Law today at 336-962-5373 for a free case evaluation.

Our firm focuses on three practice areas: Disability, Personal Injury, and Eminent Domain. Every practice area has attorneys who have expertise in their respective area of practice. 

Chad Brown is a North Carolina Board Certified Social Security disability law specialist. Mr. Brown helps Social Security disability claimants at all stages of the disability process. He also works with people that have Long Term Disability denials and with people that are injured by drugs and defective medical products.

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