You can receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) while also getting Social Security benefits and workers compensation, but only if your combined income and resources stay below the SSI limits and you meet the program's disability or age criteria.
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How SSI Income Limits Work
SSI counts both earned and unearned income, including Social Security payments and workers compensation, to determine eligibility. The federal benefit rate (FBR) is the maximum monthly SSI payment; any countable income reduces that amount dollar‑for‑dollar.
Interaction with Social Security Benefits
Social Security retirement or disability benefits are considered unearned income for SSI. Typically, the first $20 of any monthly benefit is excluded, and the remaining amount is counted in full. If your Social Security check exceeds the exclusion, your SSI award is reduced accordingly.
Interaction with Workers Compensation
Workers compensation is also unearned income for SSI. The same $20 general exclusion applies, and the rest is counted. Some states have agreements that may affect how the compensation is treated, but generally it reduces SSI benefits.
Resource Limits
Beyond income, SSI requires that your countable resources—cash, bank accounts, and the value of assets—stay under $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. Retirement accounts, a primary home, and a vehicle under a certain value are usually excluded.
Disability or Age Requirements
To qualify for SSI you must be aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled. If you already receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you already meet the disability standard, but SSI still requires the income and resource tests.
Practical Steps
- Report all sources of income, including Social Security and workers compensation, to the SSA.
- Calculate your countable income after the $20 general exclusion.
- Check your resources against the $2,000/$3,000 limit.
- File an SSI claim; the SSA will determine the exact award.