Social Security Says My Husband/Wife Earns Too Much For Me To Get SSI

Here is a fairly common problem. You apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), but then Social Security tells you that your spouse is making too much money for you to be eligible for SSI. But, how much is too much?

It was surprisingly difficult to track down an answer.

But, at long last, I was able to find out that in order to be eligible for Social Security your countable income has to be less than the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR).

In 2008, the FBR is $637 per month for individuals, and $956 per month for couples. So, your spouse has to be making less than these amounts per month to keep you eligible for SSI benefits.

At least, that is the best answer I am able to find to this surprisingly tricky question.

Note 1: I am not addressing the difference between countable income and non-countable income. For that I refer you to your local Social Security office. This is just to give you a ball-park idea of how much of your spouse’s income may be too much.

Note 2: the FBR changes annually, so these amounts are only good for 2008.  

photo credit: stephcarter