What are the SSI income and resource limits in 2026?

SSI is a needs-based program, which means SSA limits both your income and the assets you own. Exceeding either limit will reduce or eliminate your SSI payment.

Resource limits (assets you own):

• Individual: $2,000
• Couple: $3,000

Countable resources include cash, bank accounts, stocks, and most property other than your primary home and one vehicle. Retirement accounts may or may not count depending on whether they are accessible. ABLE accounts (up to $100,000) do not count as resources under the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act.

Income limits: SSA does not have a hard income cutoff for SSI. Instead, it reduces your benefit based on what you earn or receive. The formula:

• Subtract the $20 general income exclusion from unearned income.
• Subtract $65 + half of remaining earned income.
• Remaining income reduces your SSI dollar-for-dollar.

In New York, the state adds a supplement on top of the federal SSI rate, slightly increasing the total monthly payment. SSI recipients typically qualify immediately for Medicaid.

Our team helps clients in New York navigate SSI rules in English and Spanish — hablamos español. Call us before spending down resources incorrectly; there are legal strategies to preserve assets while maintaining eligibility.