Supplemental Security Income is a needs-based program, which means your income and assets are evaluated as part of your eligibility determination. Understanding the limits — and what counts and doesn’t count — is essential before applying. The resource limit for SSI is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Resources refer to countable assets, which include cash, bank account balances, stocks, bonds, and other financial holdings.
Importantly, several categories of assets are excluded from the count entirely. Your primary home is excluded, regardless of its value. One vehicle used for transportation is also excluded. Personal property, household goods, burial funds within certain limits, and ABLE account funds are generally excluded as well. This means many SSI applicants who own a home and a car may still fall within the resource limits once excluded items are removed from the calculation.
Income is evaluated separately and must also fall within SSI limits. The SSA distinguishes between earned income (wages and self-employment earnings) and unearned income (Social Security benefits, pensions, gifts, and other sources). Not all income is counted — the SSA excludes the first $20 of most monthly income and the first $65 of earned income, plus half of earned income above that amount.
The federal SSI benefit rate is adjusted annually. In 2025, the maximum federal SSI payment is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple. Michigan does not currently provide a state supplement to SSI benefits. Because income and resource rules are complex and exceptions apply in many situations, it’s worth getting a personalized review before concluding you don’t qualify.
Our team at Grech Law Firm Attorney & Counselor can help Michigan residents assess their eligibility accurately. Contact us for a free consultation.
