In general, the income limit for SSI is the federal benefit rate (FBR), which is $794 per month for an individual and $1,191 per month for a couple in 2021. Remember, though, that not all income is countable, and so you can earn more than $794 per month and still qualify for SSI (more on this below).

What income is not counted for SSI?

Unearned Income is all income that is not earned such as Social Security benefits, pensions, State disability payments, unemployment benefits, interest income, dividends and cash from friends and relatives.

Can my spouse work while I collect SSI?

If you are collecting Social Security Disability benefits, your spouse’s income will not affect your earnings. The SSDI program, which is the program in which you pay FICA taxes over many years, has no income limits. However, if you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), it will affect your benefits.

What is an eligible spouse for SSI?

The Social Security Administration defines an eligible couple as two SSI eligible individuals who are legally married under the laws of the State where they have a permanent home, living together in the same household and holding themselves out as husband and wife to the community in which they live, or determined by …

What is an eligible couple for SSI?

Can a spouse apply for SSI if there is no income?

The SSI applicant or beneficiary must qualify on the basis of his or her own income, before any deeming of the ineligible spouse’s income is considered. If the ineligible spouse’s income is equal to or less than the difference between the couple and individual FBR, there is no income to deem to the eligible individual.

How does being married affect your SSI benefits?

Benefits for a married couple, both of whom receive SSI and have no other income, amount to 25 percent less than the total they would receive if they were living together but not as husband and wife. This analysis identifies how marital status affects benefit rates and the counting of income and resources in determining eligibility.

How much does my husband make in SSI per month?

Your husband makes $1,300 per month through work, and you have two minor children living with you. You don’t have any income of your own. Only about $222 of your husband’s income will be deemed to you. Subtracting this amount from the couple’s maximum SSI payment of $1,157 would give you about $936 in SSI, in theory.

How can I determine how much my husband’s income will affect my disability?

To estimate how much of your husband or wife’s income will be deemed to you, you can follow these guidelines. First, deduct living expenses of $386 for each child from your spouse’s income. Then add your spouse’s income to any income you have. Do not include income from a spouse’s IRA or company pension.