Q: I know you need to have limited resources to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). But what is considered a resource?
A: Resources are things you own that you can use for support. They include cash, real estate, personal belongings, bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. To be eligible for SSI a person must have no more than $2,000 in countable resources. A married couple must have no more than $3,000 in countable resources. If you own resources over the SSI limit, you may be able to get SSI benefits while trying to sell the resources. Not all of your resources count toward the SSI resource limit. For example:
_The home you live in and the land it's on do not count.
_Your personal effects and household goods do not count.
_Life insurance policies may not count, depending on their value.
_Your car usually does not count.
_Burial plots for you and members of your immediate family do not count.
_Up to $1,500 in burial funds for you and up to $1,500 in burial funds for your spouse may not count.
_If you are blind or have a disability, some items may not count if you plan to use them to work or earn extra income.
You may also wish to read our material on "resources" in the booklet, Understanding SSI at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/text-understanding-ssi.htm.
Q: Is it true that a person can own a home and still be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits?
A: Yes. A person who owns a home and lives in that home can be eligible for SSI benefits. Although there is an asset limit for people to qualify for SSI, some things don't count toward that limit, such as a house, a vehicle, and some funds set aside for burial expenses. To learn more about SSI and the eligibility requirements, browse our booklet, Supplemental Security Income at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11000.html.
