How much can I earn and still get full SSI?

Asked by: Elisa Grady  |  Last update: December 22, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (44 votes)

SSI is generally for individuals who don't earn more than $2,019 from work each month. The income limit increases for couples and when parents apply for children. We also look at other sources of income besides your job, like disability benefits, unemployment, and pensions.

How much money can I make without affecting my SSI?

``In general, the income limit for SSI is the federal benefit rate (FBR), which is $794 per month for an individual and $1191 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).''

Can you get full SSI and still work?

You can work and still receive Social Security. There is, however, a limit to the amount of money you can earn before you have to pay back a portion of your Social Security benefits. Many retirees continue to work part-time or at entry level positions and still collect benefits.

How much money can you make and still get full Social Security?

Starting with the month you reach full retirement age, there is no limit on how much you can earn and still receive your benefits. You work and earn $32,320 ($8,920 more than the $23,400 limit) during the year.

What is the $1000 rule for SSI?

Where the overpayment is $2,000 or less and you file a request for reconsideration or waiver, Social Security will waive any collection of the over-payment (unless you were at fault in creating the overpayment). This is known as the SSI $1,000 Rule.

2023: How Much Can You Earn While on Social Security, Disability, or SSI?

24 related questions found

How much money can you make and still get SSI in 2024?

There are income and asset limits for beneficiaries of SSI. If you meet or exceed either of these limits, your SSI payments will be reduced by the SSA and potentially terminated. In 2024, the income limit for an individual is $1,971. The limit for a couple is $2,915.

What happens if you have more than $2000 in the bank on SSI?

If the value of your resources that we count is over the allowable limit at the beginning of the month, you cannot receive SSI for that month. If you decide to sell the excess resources for what they are worth, you may receive SSI beginning the month after you sell the excess resources.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

Have you heard about the Social Security $16,728 yearly bonus? There's really no “bonus” that retirees can collect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula based on your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount.

How much can you make on Social Security disability and still work?

With 1619(b), in 2022 you can earn up to $54,082 a year ($55,439 for individuals who are blind) and still keep your Medi-Cal from SSI! 3. Can I get SSI if I work full-time but only earn $1,200 per month?

When my husband dies, do I get his Social Security and mine?

If your spouse dies, do you get both Social Security benefits? You cannot claim your deceased spouse's benefits in addition to your own retirement benefits. Social Security only will pay one—survivor or retirement. If you qualify for both survivor and retirement benefits, you will receive whichever amount is higher.

Are you allowed to work while applying for SSI?

People seeking SSA benefits are encouraged to work or seek employment either independently or with the help of professional support like Supported Employment Programs. Case workers are encouraged to support individuals in pursuing their vocational goals, both before and after submitting an SSI/SSDI application.

How much does SSI allow for rent?

You can use the money you get from Social Security to pay for whatever you need—including paying for your utilities and rent. SSI doesn't have limits on how much you can spend for rent. Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits. Pre-qualify in 60 seconds for up to $4,018 per month and 12 months back pay.

What is the #1 reason to take Social Security at 62?

Those facing financial emergencies, such as a layoff or debt, may benefit from accessing Social Security early. If you retire early and need extra income, Social Security benefits can provide supplemental funds to support your new lifestyle, hobbies or retirement activities.

Can you lose SSI if you make too much money?

Generally, the more countable income you have, the less your SSI benefit will be. If your countable income is over the allowable limit, you cannot receive SSI benefits. Some of your income may not count as income for the SSI program.

Will I lose my SSI if I work?

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may be able to work while keeping your benefits. But the benefit amount you receive may be reduced depending on how much money you earn from your job.

Can you get SSI if you have income?

To be eligible for SSI, you must also have little or no income and few resources. The value of the things you own must be less than $2,000 if you're single or less than $3,000 for married couples living together.

How much can I earn in 2024 without affecting my disability benefits?

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

The SGA amount for persons with disabilities other than blindness is $1,550 per month in 2024. For persons who are blind, the amount of earnings that indicate SGA is $2,590 per month in 2024. Further information is available in the section How We Decide If You Are Disabled.

What is the most hours you can work on SSI?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has specific guidelines regarding self-employment and receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Generally, the SSA permits up to 45 hours of work per month, which translates to approximately 10 hours per week.

What illness automatically qualifies for disability?

It includes:
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain.
  • Special Senses and Speech, such as blindness and hearing loss.
  • Respiratory Disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and respiratory failure.
  • Cardiovascular System, such as hypertension and heart disease.

How to get $3000 a month in Social Security?

Exactly how much in earnings do you need to get a $3,000 benefit? Well, you just need to have averaged about 70% of the taxable maximum. In our example case, that means that your earnings in 1983 were about $22,000 and increased every year to where they ended at about $100,000 at age 62.

What are the three ways you can lose your Social Security disability?

The termination of benefits in the Social Security disability program is based predominantly on four factors: conversion to the retirement program (that is, attainment of full retirement age), death, medical recovery, and work recovery.

Who qualifies for an extra $144 added to their Social Security?

To qualify to get $144 added back to your Social Security check, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers a Part B premium reduction or giveback benefit.

What income is too high for SSI?

SSI is generally for individuals who don't earn more than $2,019 from work each month. The income limit increases for couples and when parents apply for children. We also look at other sources of income besides your job, like disability benefits, unemployment, and pensions.

Does SSI watch your bank account?

SSI Reviews: Periodically, the SSA reassesses whether beneficiaries still qualify for the program. Depending on individual circumstances, this can occur as often as annually or as infrequently as every six years, and it often includes examining bank accounts.

What makes you lose SSI?

In 2024, the income limit is $943 per month for individuals and $1,415 for couples (both collecting SSI). So, if your income from working causes you to exceed these limits, you can lose your SSI disability benefits.