- Rental payments you receive on an investment -- such as rental homes or commercial property -- are considered unearned income by the Social Security Administration, not self-employment income. These payments still count toward your eligibility for SSI.
- Both your sources of earned and unearned income are evaluated when you apply for SSI, according to the Social Security Administration. Earned income includes money you receive for working, whether you're self-employed or working for an employer. A couple applying for SSI can earn as much as $2,107 a month and a single person can earn $1,433.
- Unearned income, which includes your rental payments as well as annuities, veteran's benefits and Social Security payments, can be as high as $1,031 a month for a couple or $694 for a single person, according to the Social Security Administration. If you have a combination of earned and unearned income, your caseworker at the Social Security office will evaluate both to see if you still qualify for SSI. Much of your earned income can be disregarded by the Social Security Administration.
- In addition to your earned and unearned income amounts, your assets are also considered when you apply for SSI, according to the Social Security Administration. One person can have up to $2,000 in assets, while a couple can have up to $3,000 in assets. Assets include, but aren't limited to, cash, bank accounts, investment portfolios, stocks and certificates of deposit. Your home and land, one vehicle and life insurance policies worth less than $1,500 per person aren't counted. Your rental property isn't counted either, as long as it is a source of income for you.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -