Can I qualify for SSI while receiving Social Security retirement benefits? Income limits confused

Yes, you absolutely can receive both regular Social Security retirement benefits AND SSI at the same time - this is called "concurrent benefits." SSI has both income AND resource (asset) limits. For 2025, the income limit that matters is the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) which is currently $971 for an individual. However, this doesn't mean you're automatically disqualified if your SS retirement is $1,142. The SSA doesn't count all your income when determining eligibility - they exclude the first $20 of most income, which means your countable income would be $1,122. For resources, you can't have more than $2,000 in countable assets as an individual (bank accounts, investments, second vehicles, etc). Your primary home and one vehicle are usually excluded. Based on what you've shared, you likely wouldn't qualify for the full SSI payment, but you might qualify for a partial payment if your state offers a supplement to the federal SSI benefit. The calculation is: Maximum SSI benefit - (countable income - $20) = Your potential SSI payment

SSI has specific income and resource limits that determine who qualifies as "low-income." The 2025 resource limit is $2,000 for individuals ($3,000 for couples). Your $900 checking balance is well below this, so that's good. The income limit is more complicated. In 2025, the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) is $971/month for individuals. But they don't count all income dollar-for-dollar. They apply: - General Income Exclusion: First $20 of any income doesn't count - Earned Income Exclusion: First $65 of earned income (wages) + half of remaining earned income So if your only income is $1,142 in SS benefits, your countable income would be $1,122 ($1,142 - $20). Since $1,122 exceeds the FBR of $971, you likely wouldn't qualify for federal SSI. HOWEVER, many states offer supplemental payments that increase the effective SSI limit. Which state do you live in? That could make a difference.

I was in a similar situation last year!!! My SS retirement was $1,086 and I thought I would never qualify for SSI. I went to the SSA office and they told me I was over the limit. BUT THEN I found out my state (California) has a higher limit because cost of living is so high here! So DEFINITELY apply even if you think you won't qualify! The worst they can say is no. And if you get approved, they backpay from when you applied!!! Don't forget they look at your assets too - like bank accounts, second car, life insurance with cash value, etc. The limit is $2,000 for one person. Your home doesn't count against you, thank goodness!!!

Florida doesn't supplement the federal SSI payment, unfortunately. Many states do, but Florida isn't one of them. So you're looking at just the federal rules. With your income at $1,142, minus the $20 disregard, your countable income is $1,122. Since that's higher than the maximum SSI payment of $971, you wouldn't be eligible under normal circumstances. HOWEVER - if you have any medical expenses or certain housing costs that you pay out of pocket, there's something called "Income-Based Medical Assistance" that you might qualify for instead. It's not SSI but can help with Medicare premiums and other medical costs. I'd recommend applying for SSI anyway - sometimes there are special situations they consider.

Getting through to SSA on the phone is IMPOSSIBLE these days - I tried for 2 weeks straight to ask similar questions about my mom's SSI eligibility! Kept getting disconnected or wait times of 2+ hours. I finally tried this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a real person at SSA in about 20 minutes instead of waiting for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU It saved me so much frustration. The SSA rep I spoke with was actually helpful and explained exactly what documents my mom needed to bring to her appointment. Worth it just to avoid the endless hold music!

I absolutely understand your frustration @profile7! It really does work - I was skeptical too but desperate after so many failed attempts. My experience was just like their demo video. I got connected to an SSA agent in about 18 minutes when I'd been trying unsuccessfully for days. Just follow the instructions on their site and have all your questions ready when you get connected.

just so you know ssi is diffrent from regular social security its more strict you cant have hardly any money in the bank and they check everything my mom tried to get it and they even counted my sisters help with groceries against her i think its stupid how they count everything

Even if you don't qualify for SSI based on your retirement benefit amount, you should look into: 1. Medicare Savings Programs - These help pay your Medicare premiums and sometimes deductibles/coinsurance 2. SNAP (food stamps) - The income limits are usually higher than SSI 3. Housing assistance through HUD - Long waiting lists but worth getting on 4. LIHEAP - Helps with energy bills All of these programs have different income limits than SSI, and some don't count all of your Social Security income. Florida has benefits advisors who can help you figure out what you qualify for - try contacting your local Area Agency on Aging.

my neighbor was telling me you can give away your money or put it in someone elses name to qualify for ssi is that true

The SSI rules make NO SENSE sometimes!!! My friend's mom gets both Social Security ($890/month) and SSI (about $100/month) but when she moved in with her daughter to save money, they CUT her SSI because they counted the free rent as "in-kind support"!!! So she actually had LESS money by trying to reduce her expenses! The whole system penalizes people for having family help them out. It's SO FRUSTRATING!!!

I've been helping seniors navigate SSI applications for years, and based on your situation, you're right on the borderline. While your $1,142 monthly Social Security puts you slightly over the federal SSI income limit after the $20 exclusion, I'd still encourage you to apply for several reasons: 1. The SSA sometimes makes calculation errors in your favor during the initial review 2. If your income fluctuates at all (like if you have any work earnings some months), you might qualify in those months 3. Even a denial gets you into the system and establishes a potential filing date for backpay if your situation changes More importantly, since you're already getting SNAP benefits, you should definitely apply for the Medicare Savings Programs that @NebulaNinja mentioned. The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program has an income limit of about $1,255/month for individuals in 2025, so you'd likely qualify. This would cover your Medicare Part B premium ($185/month in 2025) plus deductibles and coinsurance. You can apply for Medicare Savings Programs through your local Medicaid office, not Social Security. In Florida, call 1-888-419-3456 or apply online at ACCESS Florida. This could save you over $2,000 per year!

Just wanted to add that you can also apply for SSI online at ssa.gov, which might be easier since you mentioned getting to the office is difficult without driving. The online application walks you through everything step by step and you can save your progress if you need to take breaks. Even though the math seems to show you're slightly over the income limit, I'd still apply because: - Sometimes there are deductions or exclusions that aren't obvious - Your situation could change (like medical expenses increasing) - Having an application on file establishes your intent date Also, definitely pursue that Medicare Savings Program that @Kelsey Chin mentioned - that $185/month Medicare premium savings would be like getting a raise! And since you're already approved for SNAP, you've proven you can navigate the application process for these programs. The worst case scenario is they say no to SSI, but you might discover other programs you qualify for during the process. Don't give up!

I'm glad to see so many people sharing helpful information! Just wanted to add one more resource that might be valuable - many local Senior Centers and Area Agencies on Aging offer free benefits counseling where they'll sit down with you and go through ALL the programs you might qualify for, not just SSI. In Florida, you can call the Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337 and they can connect you with a local benefits counselor. These counselors are trained to know about federal, state, and local programs, and they often catch things that people miss when applying on their own. Since you're already getting SNAP and potentially qualify for Medicare Savings Programs, there might be other assistance programs for utilities, property taxes (if you own your home), or prescription drugs that you haven't explored yet. A benefits counselor can do a comprehensive review of your situation. The appointment is usually free and they can even help you fill out applications. Much better than trying to navigate all these different programs alone!

I'm a newcomer here but wanted to share what I learned when helping my elderly aunt navigate this exact situation last year. Even though the federal SSI math might not work in your favor, there are some lesser-known aspects that could still help: 1. **Medical expense deductions** - If you have regular medical costs that exceed a certain threshold, SSI can deduct these from your countable income. This includes prescription costs, medical equipment, therapy, etc. 2. **PASS (Plan to Achieve Self-Support)** - While this is typically for younger people saving for work goals, seniors can sometimes use it for medical equipment or home modifications that help them remain independent. 3. **State pharmacy assistance programs** - Florida has a few prescription assistance programs separate from SSI that might help with medication costs. The benefits counseling suggestion from @Hailey O'Leary is spot-on. When my aunt met with a counselor, they discovered she qualified for three programs she'd never heard of, including help with her homeowner's insurance and a local food pantry program specifically for seniors. Also, keep all your receipts for medical expenses, utilities, and other essential costs - these can sometimes be factored into benefit calculations in ways that aren't immediately obvious. Good luck with your applications!

As someone new to this community, I wanted to add that it's worth looking into your state's **Low Income Subsidy (LIS)** program for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, also known as "Extra Help." The income limits for this program are higher than SSI - around $1,715/month for individuals in 2025 - so you'd likely qualify even with your $1,142 Social Security benefit. This program can save you thousands per year on prescription drug costs by eliminating or greatly reducing your Part D premiums, deductibles, and copays. You can apply online at socialsecurity.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Also, since you mentioned you don't own a car anymore, look into your local public transit options for seniors. Many areas offer free or reduced-cost transportation specifically for older adults to get to medical appointments and essential services like grocery shopping. This can be a huge help when you need to visit SSA offices or other agencies in person. The fact that you're already successfully receiving SNAP benefits shows you understand how to navigate these systems - don't let the SSI income limits discourage you from exploring all your options!