Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are available to those who are not able to pay for their medical expenses and daily living expenses due to a disability. However, even if you are not employed and not capable of working, you may have purchased stocks or you may intend to purchase stocks in the future. If this is the case, you will want to consult with an SSI attorney.

Eligibility for SSI

SSI benefits should not be confused with SSDI benefits. With SSDI, whether or not you are qualified will not be affected by how much money you have in the bank and whether you hold stocks. However, to qualify for SSI, you must either be disabled, blind, or over the age of 65. You must also have very limited resources.

Your eligibility for SSI is based on how many assets you have and you will not be qualified if you own stocks that are valued past a certain amount. The US government would expect you to sell your stocks to pay for your medical expenses before you would need to turn to SSI. 

When You Decide to Invest in Stocks

Even if you are receiving SSI benefits, you may choose to purchase stocks. However, because the SSI program is means-tested, owning more than $2,000 in stocks as an individual or $3,000 as a married couple may lead to you not being eligible for SSI benefits. 

Reporting Requirements

When you are receiving SSI benefits, you will need to report when you purchase or obtain stocks. Your benefits will immediately stop if the number of stocks you own exceeds the cap. Also, if the agency overpays you when it is discovered that you have too many resources, you will be asked to make a repayment. The SSA may even withhold your income or find other ways of making sure that you repay them.

Day Trading Profits

While you are receiving SSI benefits, you may choose to also engage in day trading. The profits you make from day trading can not only affect your SSI benefits but can also affect SSDI benefits. Therefore, you'll always want to consult with an attorney before making this decision.

The challenge of keeping SSI benefits and investing is that investments might go up in value unexpectedly and you may end up not being eligible. What matters is that you report your assets and when the value of your stock goes up or down.