Social Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled and who have low income and limited financial resources. SSI is funded by general tax revenues, not by Social Security taxes.

One of the eligibility requirements for SSI is that an individual must have limited income. This means that an individual's income must be below a certain threshold in order to qualify for SSI benefits. But what counts as income for SSI purposes?

In general, income is defined as any resources that an individual receives on a regular basis that can be used to meet their basic needs. This includes both earned income, such as wages and salary, and unearned income, such as Social Security benefits, pensions, and rental income.

Here is a list of some common types of income that may be counted when determining an individual's eligibility for SSI:

Earned income: This includes wages and salary earned from employment, as well as self-employment income.

Unearned income: This includes Social Security benefits, pensions, annuities, unemployment benefits, workers' compensation, and rental income.

In-kind income: This refers to non-cash benefits that an individual receives, such as food or shelter. For example, if someone is provided with free housing or meals, the value of this in-kind income may be counted as part of their income for SSI purposes.

Gifts and loans: Gifts and loans are not typically counted as income for SSI purposes, unless they are being used to meet an individual's basic needs, such as paying for food or housing.

Support and maintenance: If an individual receives support and maintenance from someone else, such as a family member, this may be counted as income for SSI purposes.

Interest and dividends: Interest and dividends earned from investments may be counted as income for SSI purposes.

Property and resources: Property and resources, such as real estate or stocks, may be counted as income for SSI purposes if they are being sold or used to generate income.

It's important to note that not all income is counted equally for SSI purposes. Some types of income, such as Social Security benefits, may be partially excluded or disregarded when determining an individual's eligibility for SSI. In addition, there are limits on the amount of income that an individual can receive and still be eligible for SSI. The current income limits for SSI are $794 per month for an individual and $1,191 per month for a couple.

There are also certain exclusions and deductions that may be taken into account when determining an individual's income for SSI purposes. For example, an individual may be able to exclude certain expenses, such as medical expenses or work-related expenses, from their income.

It's also important to note that SSI eligibility is determined on a monthly basis. This means that an individual's income and resources must be below the eligibility limits at the time their SSI payment is made.

In conclusion, SSI is a needs-based program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled and who have low income and limited financial resources. Income is defined as any resources that an individual receives on a regular basis that can be used to meet their basic needs, and includes both earned and unearned income, as well as in-kind income and support and maintenance.

In conclusion, it is important for individuals to understand what counts as income for SSI purposes. While earned income, such as wages and self-employment, is typically included in the calculation of SSI benefits, there are many other types of income that may also be considered. This can include unearned income, such as gifts and loans, as well as in-kind support and maintenance, such as food and shelter. It is important to report all income accurately to the Social Security Administration, as failing to do so can result in overpayment of benefits and potential legal consequences. Additionally, there are certain exclusions and deductions that may be applied to income, such as work expenses for the blind or disabled and certain medical expenses. Understanding these rules and reporting income accurately can help ensure that individuals receive the full amount of SSI benefits to which they are entitled.