What Can You Own on Social Security Disability? (2026 Asset Limits Explained)

January 29, 2024 | Author: WILLIAM M. ZIMMERMAN

If you receive SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), there are no limits on what you can own — you can have a home, car, savings, investments, and any other assets without affecting your benefits. However, if you receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income), you are limited to $2,000 in countable resources as an individual or $3,000 as a couple in 2026. Understanding the difference between these two programs and knowing which assets count — and which don’t — is essential for keeping your disability benefits. The disability attorneys at Pisegna & Zimmerman in Los Angeles help clients protect their assets while maintaining their disability benefits.

SSDI vs. SSI: Completely Different Asset Rules

The rules about what you can own depend entirely on which disability program you participate in.

SSDI — No Asset Limits

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you paid during your career. Because it is an earned benefit, the SSA does not consider your assets, savings, or property when determining eligibility. You can own:

• Multiple homes and real estate properties
• Vehicles of any value
• Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and retirement accounts
• Bank accounts with any balance
• A business
• Valuable personal property, jewelry, and collectibles

The only financial factor that can affect your SSDI benefits is your earned income. In 2026, if you earn more than $1,690 per month (the Substantial Gainful Activity limit), the SSA may determine you are no longer disabled.

SSI — Strict Resource Limits Apply

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program for individuals with limited income and resources. In 2026, the resource limits are:

• $2,000 for an individual
• $3,000 for a married couple

If your countable resources exceed these limits at any point during the month, you are ineligible for SSI for that month. The maximum monthly SSI benefit in 2026 is $994 for individuals and $1,491 for couples, and California adds a state supplement that increases these amounts.

What Counts as a “Resource” for SSI?

The SSA defines resources as cash or other assets that you own and could convert to cash to use for food or shelter. Countable resources include:

• Cash and bank accounts — Checking, savings, and money market accounts
• Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds
• Real estate — Property other than your primary residence
• Additional vehicles — Beyond the one used for transportation
• Life insurance policies — Cash surrender value of policies with a combined face value over $1,500
• Personal property — Items that could be sold for cash (with some exceptions)
• Retirement accounts — IRAs and other accessible retirement funds

What You CAN Own on SSI Without Losing Benefits

Not all assets count toward the SSI resource limit. The following are exempt and will not affect your SSI eligibility:

Your Primary Home

Your home — including the land it sits on — is completely excluded from the SSI resource calculation, regardless of its value. This applies as long as it is your principal place of residence. If you temporarily leave your home (for example, due to hospitalization), it remains excluded as long as you intend to return.

One Vehicle

One automobile is excluded regardless of its value, as long as it is used for transportation by you or a member of your household. You do not need to own the most basic car available — even a relatively expensive vehicle is excluded as long as it is your primary mode of transportation.

Household Goods and Personal Effects

Furniture, appliances, clothing, electronics, and other household items are excluded from the resource limit. The SSA no longer applies a specific dollar cap to household goods.

Burial Resources

• Burial spaces — Burial plots, crypts, mausoleums, urns, and similar items for you and your immediate family are excluded
• Burial funds — Up to $1,500 per person designated for burial expenses is excluded (separate from the $2,000 resource limit)
• Irrevocable burial trusts — Pre-paid funeral arrangements that cannot be canceled are excluded regardless of value

ABLE Accounts

An Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account is a powerful savings tool for people with disabilities. Key facts for 2026:

• Available to individuals who became disabled before age 46 (expanded from age 26 under the ABLE Age Adjustment Act that took effect in 2026)
• Up to $100,000 in an ABLE account is excluded from SSI resource limits
• Annual contribution limit is tied to the gift tax exclusion (approximately $19,000 in 2026)
• Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses including housing, education, transportation, health care, and technology

Other Exempt Resources

• Life insurance — Policies with a combined face value of $1,500 or less
• PASS funds — Money set aside under a Plan to Achieve Self-Support
• Special needs trusts — Assets held in a properly structured first-party or third-party special needs trust
• Disaster relief — Federal disaster assistance and certain disaster-related grants
• Tax refunds — Federal and state tax refunds (including Earned Income Tax Credit) for 12 months after receipt
• Retroactive SSI/SSDI payments — Excluded for 9 months after receipt

Special Rules for Homeownership on Disability

Owning a home while on disability benefits involves several important rules:

• SSDI recipients can own any number of properties without restriction
• SSI recipients can own their primary home without it counting as a resource
• If an SSI recipient owns a second property (e.g., rental property or vacation home), its market value minus any loans counts toward the $2,000 resource limit
• If you sell your home, the proceeds become a countable resource unless you use them to purchase a new primary residence within 3 months
• Rental income from a property within your home (e.g., renting a room) counts as unearned income and may reduce your SSI payment

What Happens If You Exceed SSI Resource Limits?

If your countable resources exceed the limit ($2,000 individual / $3,000 couple) at any point during the month, you are ineligible for SSI for that entire month. Here is what you should know:

• The SSA checks your resources on the first day of each month
• If you receive a lump sum (inheritance, gift, settlement), you may temporarily exceed the limit
• You generally have until the first of the following month to spend down excess resources
• Spending down must be on legitimate expenses — not hiding assets or giving them away, which can trigger a penalty period

Vehicles and Disability: What You Need to Know

Vehicle ownership rules for SSI recipients:

• One vehicle is always excluded regardless of value
• Additional vehicles are counted as resources at their current market value minus any outstanding loans
• A vehicle used by a member of your household for medical transportation may also be excluded
• Vehicles that are not operational and cannot be sold for significant value are generally not counted

Frequently Asked Questions About Assets and Disability

Can I have a savings account on Social Security disability?

On SSDI, yes — you can have unlimited savings. On SSI, you can have a savings account, but the balance (combined with all other countable resources) must stay under $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples. Consider opening an ABLE account for additional protected savings.

Can I inherit money while on disability?

On SSDI, an inheritance will not affect your benefits. On SSI, an inheritance becomes a countable resource the month after you receive it. You may need to spend it down, place it in a special needs trust, or contribute to an ABLE account to maintain eligibility.

Can I own a business while on disability?

On SSDI, you can own a business, but your earnings must stay below the SGA limit of $1,690/month in 2026. On SSI, business assets may count toward resource limits, and business income will be considered earned income.

Will receiving a personal injury settlement affect my disability?

A settlement will not affect SSDI benefits. For SSI, a lump-sum settlement becomes a countable resource. Working with a disability attorney before accepting a settlement can help you structure it to protect your SSI eligibility (for example, through a special needs trust).

Can I own cryptocurrency on disability?

Cryptocurrency is treated as a countable resource for SSI purposes, valued at its current market price. On SSDI, there are no restrictions on owning cryptocurrency. Related: How much can your spouse make if you’re on disability?

What is a special needs trust and how does it help?

A special needs trust (also called a supplemental needs trust) holds assets for the benefit of a disabled individual without those assets counting toward SSI resource limits. There are two main types: first-party trusts (funded with the beneficiary’s own money) and third-party trusts (funded by family members or others). Funds in the trust can pay for expenses that SSI does not cover, such as recreation, travel, and personal care items. If you receive a lump-sum back pay, learn how to track your disability back pay.

Protect Your Assets and Benefits — Contact Pisegna & Zimmerman

Understanding what you can and cannot own while receiving disability benefits is essential for protecting both your financial security and your eligibility. Whether you are applying for SSDI or SSI, have received an inheritance or settlement, or need help with asset planning, the experienced disability attorneys at Pisegna & Zimmerman in Los Angeles can help you navigate these complex rules. Contact us today for a free consultation.