​​​​Social Security Disability and Veterans Compensation Attorneys

SSA Lawyers P.A.

Understanding Financial Eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Income Limits, In-Kind Support, and Deeming Rules Explained

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program designed to help individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources. Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is based on your work history, SSI eligibility is determined by financial need.

At SSA Lawyers PA, we help clients understand not just the medical requirements—but also the financial rules—that determine whether someone qualifies for SSI. Below, we explain the key income rules, the effect of in-kind support and maintenance, and how deeming from a spouse or parent can impact eligibility.

What Are the Basic Financial Limits for SSI?

To qualify for SSI in 2025:

Your countable income must generally be less than $967/month (for an individual) or $1,450/month (for a couple).
Your countable resources must be below $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples.

Countable resources include cash, bank accounts, stocks, and property (other than your primary home and car).

What Counts as Income for SSI?

The SSA considers both earned and unearned income, including:

Wages or self-employment income
Unemployment or workers’ compensation
Pensions or Social Security benefits
Free food or shelter (in-kind support and maintenance)
Money from family or friends

Not all income counts. For example, the SSA excludes the first $20/month of most unearned income and the first $65/month of earned income (plus half of what remains). These exclusions help reduce the impact of small amounts of income.

In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM)

If someone provides you with free food or shelter, the SSA may reduce your SSI benefit under the “in-kind support and maintenance” (ISM) rules.

Examples of ISM include:

Living with a family member who does not charge you rent
A friend paying your utilities or groceries
Receiving free housing or meals

If you receive both free shelter and food, the SSA can reduce your monthly SSI by up to one-third of the maximum benefit. This is called the Value of the One-Third Reduction (VTR).

If only partial support is provided (such as food but not shelter), the SSA may use a more complex calculation called the Presumed Maximum Value (PMV) to determine how much to reduce your benefits.

Deeming Rules: Income and Resources from Others

If you live with a spouse or you are a child under 18 living with your parents, the SSA may “deem” a portion of that person’s income and resources to you—even if they are not receiving SSI themselves.

Spouse-to-Spouse Deeming

If you live with a spouse who is not receiving SSI, a portion of their income and resources is deemed available to you. This could make you ineligible or reduce your monthly payment.

Only income above certain limits is counted. The SSA applies specific deductions for the spouse and other dependents before deeming income to you.

Parent-to-Child Deeming

If you are a child under 18 and live with one or both parents, some of their income and resources are deemed to you.

Key points:

Deeming applies whether the parents are married or not.
If the parents have other children, deductions are made for their needs before any income is deemed.
Once the child turns 18, deeming stops, and only the child’s income and resources count.

How to Protect Your SSI Eligibility

If a family member or friend wants to help you financially without reducing your SSI, consider:

Entering into a written loan agreement for food, housing, or money. If it’s a bona fide loan, it doesn’t count as income.
Paying money directly to creditors (e.g., landlord or utility company), rather than giving you cash or paying for groceries.
Charging fair market rent if you’re living in their home.

Working with an experienced disability attorney can help you structure support in a way that maximizes your monthly benefit and avoids disqualification.

We Can Help You Navigate SSI’s Complex Financial Rules

SSI eligibility can be complicated—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. At SSA Lawyers PA, we understand the Social Security system inside and out. We’ll help you:

Understand income and resource limits
Plan around in-kind support and maintenance
Address family income and deeming issues
Appeal a denial based on financial ineligibility


📍 SSA Lawyers PA
4925 Independence Parkway, Suite 195
Tampa, FL 33634
📞 Call 1-813-221-1300 for a free consultation.