Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides financial support to disabled, elderly, or blind individuals who have limited income and resources. You may be wondering, what is the income limit for SSI in California? It’s important to understand both the federal and state guidelines that determine eligibility.
California offers additional state-funded payments on top of the federal SSI benefit to help residents cope with the high cost of living. The income limits for SSI play a crucial role in determining how much financial support you can receive and whether you remain eligible for benefits.
Understanding SSI Income Limits
SSI benefits are available to individuals whose income and resources fall below certain limits set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). In California, residents who qualify for SSI also receive a State Supplementary Payment (SSP), which increases the total monthly benefit amount. However, exceeding the income limit can disqualify you from receiving these benefits.
Income for SSI purposes includes both earned income (such as wages from work) and unearned income (such as Social Security retirement benefits, pensions, or gifts). Not all income counts toward the limit; certain types of income are excluded.
How Much Money Can You Make and Still Get SSI in California?
In terms of income limits to qualify for SSI in California, individuals must have income below the federal benefit rate (FBR), which is $943 in for an individual, and $1,415 for a couple. This number is always fluctuating so ensure you research up-to-date numbers.
How Much Money Can You Make Without It Affecting Your SSI Disability?
If you’re receiving SSI disability benefits, you can still work and earn income without losing your benefits. The SSA allows you to deduct certain amounts from your total earnings before determining whether your income exceeds the eligibility limit. For example, the SSA disregards:
- The first $20 of any income you receive.
- The first $65 of earned income per month, plus half of your remaining earnings.
To further break it down, if you earn $500 in a month, the SSA disregards the first $65, leaving $435. Half of the remaining amount ($435 ÷ 2 = $217.50) is counted toward your income limit. The SSA can only count $217.50 of your $500 earnings when determining your eligibility. By using this formula, you can earn a modest amount from working without losing your SSI eligibility, although your benefits can gradually be reduced as your income increases.
How Much Money Can You Make and Still Get SSI in 2024?
In 2024, the general rule is that you can earn up to $1,913 per month in wages and still be eligible for SSI if you’re single. For couples, the earnings threshold is higher. The exact limit varies depending on the type of income (earned vs. unearned), but as long as your countable income remains below the federal benefit rate, you can still receive SSI benefits.
Remember, if your countable income exceeds the SSI limit for a specific month, you won’t receive SSI benefits for that month, but you may still be eligible in future months if your income drops below the limit.
SSI Work Incentives and Programs
The SSA also offers work incentive programs designed to help SSI recipients stay employed while maintaining eligibility for benefits. Some of these programs include:
- Ticket to Work. This free program offers support and services to help SSI recipients find jobs and become financially independent.
- Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS). This program allows you to set aside income or resources to pay for education or other expenses that help you achieve your work goals.
- Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE). If you have expenses related to your disability that are necessary for you to work, the SSA can deduct these costs from your earned income when calculating your SSI benefit amount.
FAQs
Q: How Much Money Can You Make and Still Get SSI in California?
A: The maximum federal SSI benefit for an individual is $943 (this number is always fluctuating), but California also offers a state supplement (SSP). After applying earned income exclusions, you can make up to approximately $1,913 per month and still receive SSI, though your benefit amount can be reduced. Speak with an experienced attorney for further information.
Q: How Much Money Can You Make Without It Affecting Your SSI Disability?
A: The SSA excludes the first $65 of earned income per month, along with half of your remaining wages. This means you can earn some income from working without losing your SSI disability benefits, although your monthly payment can be reduced based on how much you earn. Consulting with a disability lawyer can help you determine how much you can earn.
Q: Can You Work and Get SSI California?
A: Yes, you can work and still receive SSI benefits in California. In fact, working is encouraged. The SSA provides work incentives for those who want to work. As long as your income stays below the limit after exclusions are applied, you can continue receiving SSI payments. If you have further questions regarding SSI in California, you should contact an attorney.
Q: How Much Money Can You Make and Still Get SSI in 2024?
A: In 2024, the amount you can make and still receive SSI depends on your earned and unearned income. After exclusions, you can earn approximately $1,913 per month in wages and still qualify for SSI as an individual. This number increases for couples and those with dependents, but these numbers can fluctuate.
A Disability Attorney Could Be Right For You
While earned income affects your SSI benefits, certain exclusions apply, allowing you to work and still receive support. Understanding the full scope of income limits and work incentives available can be difficult without experienced legal support.
The legal team at Gade & Parekh, LLP, is ready to help you navigate the SSI program and maximize the financial assistance you are entitled to. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step to securing financial stability and peace of mind.
