1. Federal SSI Income Limits (2025)

For 2025, SSI income limits are set at:

• Individual: Up to $914/month in combined income
• Couple: Up to $1,371/month in combined income

These limits include all earned income (wages from work) and unearned income (Social Security, pensions, unemployment), with SSI reducing your benefits based on countable income.

2. Earning vs. Unearned Income

• Earned income: Income from work (job wages, self-employment); partially excluded. SSI typically subtracts $20 + half of the remainder.
• Unearned income: Payments like Social Security, pensions, disability benefits, unemployment—counted dollar-for-dollar against the federal limit.

A portion of your income may be excluded before your SSI benefit is reduced.

3. Resource Limits

Eligibility also depends on your resources:

• Individual: Resources must be $2,000 or less
• Couple: Combined resources must be $3,000 or less

Resources include cash, bank accounts, stocks, etc., but not your primary home, personal items, or one vehicle.

4. State Supplements in Texas

Unlike some states, Texas does not offer a state SSI supplement. You’ll receive only the federal SSI amount.

5. How Income Affects Your SSI Benefit

The federal SSI benefit is reduced based on income:

1. Countable income is calculated after standard exclusions
2. SSI monthly benefit = Federal benefit rate – Countable income

For example:

• If an individual earns $500/month (after exclusions), SSI = $914 – $500 = $414/month

6. Reporting Income Changes

You must report any changes in income or resources to SSA:

• Income increases can reduce your SSI benefit
• Income decreases may result in higher benefits
• Not reporting changes promptly can lead to overpayments or penalties