SSI Income Limit Calculator

What Is SSI?

Social Security Administration runs the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.

SSI is a needs-based federal benefit for:

• People age 65 or older
• Adults with disabilities
• Children with disabilities
• People with limited income and limited resources

SSI is different from Social Security retirement or SSDI. It is based on financial need, not work history.

2026 Federal SSI Income Limits

For 2026, the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) is:

• $994 per month for an individual
• $1,491 per month for an eligible couple

These amounts are the maximum federal SSI payment before income reductions.

If you have income, your SSI payment is reduced using a specific formula. If your countable income is too high, your SSI payment becomes $0.

What Counts as Income for SSI?

SSI divides income into two main types.

1. Unearned Income

Unearned income includes:

• Social Security benefits (retirement or SSDI)
• Pensions
• Unemployment benefits
• Gifts of cash
• Other regular payments

This type of income reduces SSI dollar-for-dollar after the first $20 exclusion.

2. Earned Income

Earned income includes:

• Wages from a job
• Self-employment income
• Net earnings from work

Earned income is treated more favorably than unearned income. SSI excludes part of it before reducing your benefit.

How the SSI Income Calculation Works

The SSI Income Limit Calculator follows a step-by-step process. Here is how it works in simple terms.

Step 1: Start With the Federal Benefit Rate

For 2026:

• Individual: $994
• Couple: $1,491

If you receive a state supplement, that amount is added on top.

Step 2: Apply the $20 General Income Exclusion

The first $20 of any income is not counted.

This exclusion applies to:

• Unearned income first
• Then earned income if some exclusion remains

Example:
If you receive $300 in SSDI, only $280 counts.

Step 3: Apply Earned Income Exclusions

If you work, SSI applies extra exclusions:

1. First $65 of earned income is excluded
2. After that, only half of the remaining earnings count

Example:

If you earn $1,000 in wages:

• Subtract $20 (if not used already)
• Subtract $65
• Divide remaining amount by 2

This is why working does not reduce SSI dollar-for-dollar.

Step 4: Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE)

If you are under 22 and regularly attending school, you may qualify for the Student Earned Income Exclusion.

For 2026:

• Up to $2,410 per month of earned income can be excluded

This means many students can work and still receive full SSI.

Step 5: In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM)

If you live in someone else’s home for free or pay less than your fair share, SSI may reduce your benefit.

This is called the One-Third Reduction Rule.

Your federal benefit is reduced to two-thirds of the normal amount.

Example:

• Individual FBR: $994
• With ISM: about $662

What Is Countable Income?

Countable income is the amount left after all exclusions.

The formula is:

SSI Payment = (FBR + State Supplement) – Countable Income

If the result is zero or negative, you are not eligible for that month.

Example SSI Calculation (2026)

Let’s say:

• Individual
• $500 in SSDI (unearned income)
• $600 in wages
• No state supplement
• Not a student
• Not living in someone else’s home

Step 1: Start with $994

Step 2: Unearned income
$500 – $20 exclusion = $480 countable

Step 3: Earned income
$600 – $65 = $535
$535 ÷ 2 = $267.50 countable

Step 4: Total countable income
$480 + $267.50 = $747.50

Step 5: Final SSI
$994 – $747.50 = $246.50

Estimated monthly SSI payment: $246.50

When Are You Ineligible for SSI?

You are ineligible for SSI in a month if:

• Your countable income exceeds the Federal Benefit Rate
• Your resources exceed SSI limits
• You do not meet disability or age requirements

The SSI Income Limit Calculator helps you see this instantly by showing when your calculated benefit becomes $0.

Why Use an SSI Income Limit Calculator?

An SSI calculator helps you:

• Estimate your monthly benefit
• Understand how work affects SSI
• Plan part-time employment
• Check if you may still qualify
• Avoid surprises

It gives a clear breakdown of:

• Countable unearned income
• Countable earned income
• Total countable income
• Estimated SSI payment

That breakdown is important because SSI rules can feel confusing at first.

Does State Supplement Matter?

Yes.

Some states add extra money on top of federal SSI.

Your total possible payment becomes:

Federal Benefit Rate + State Supplement

The calculator includes a field where you can enter your state supplement if applicable.

Common Questions About SSI Income Limits

How much can I earn and still get SSI in 2026?

There is no fixed wage limit. It depends on:

• Whether income is earned or unearned
• Whether you are a student
• Whether you live independently
• Whether you receive state supplements

Because only half of certain earned income counts, many people can work and still receive SSI.

Does SSI count gross or net income?

SSI counts:

• Gross wages before taxes
• Net self-employment income

The calculator uses gross earned income.

Does living with family affect SSI?

Yes. If you live in someone else’s home and do not pay your fair share, your benefit may be reduced under the One-Third Reduction Rule.

Is this calculator official?

No calculator replaces an official determination from the Social Security Administration.

However, a properly built SSI Income Limit Calculator follows the same federal rules used to estimate payments.