Understanding SSI Income Limits in Texas: A Friendly Guide
Navigating SSI (Supplemental Security Income) rules can feel overwhelming at first—but knowing the right income thresholds and how it’s calculated can make all the difference for your child’s eligibility.
1. What Counts as “Income”?
The SSA looks at two types:
- Earned income (like wages or self-employment)
- Unearned income (such as SSI, unemployment benefits, pensions, and interest)
Thankfully, not every dollar counts:
- The first $20 per month is excluded.
- For earned income, SSA subtracts $65, then splits the remaining in half before adding it to the countable amount.
- Other excluded items include SNAP, tax refunds, TANF, and food/rent help from charities.
2. Federal SSI Income Limits (2025)
- Individuals: Maximum $967/month
- Couples: Maximum $1,450/month
Your actual SSI benefit is that maximum minus your countable income.
3. For Children: “Deeming” Parental Income
If your child with a disability lives at home, the SSA uses a process called deeming to count part of your income toward theirs. But there are helpful deductions:
- SSA gives a living allowance for non-disabled household members.
- Then applies the $20, $65, and ½ earnings deductions.
- After all that, only the leftover amount is counted toward your child’s SSI.
Example (2025):
A single-parent home with one non-disabled sibling can still qualify if:
- Unearned income ≤ $2,457/month
- Earned income ≤ $4,476/month
Even with a much higher total income, SSI is still possible due to these deductions.
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