When someone is faced with a disability, it can be overwhelming trying to navigate government programs for the benefits they deserve. Many disabled people find themselves asking, “What assets can you own while receiving Social Security Disability in North Carolina?”
Society often makes disabled people feel like they shouldn’t be receiving help or are just “lazy.” Realistically, most people living with disabilities severe enough that they can’t work would rather trade their disability for an able life where they can work.
Disabled individuals are not lazy; anyone living in pain would want to seek out the benefits they’re entitled to. Those who discriminate against disabled people also don’t realize that many disabled people are unable to get benefits due to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) strict rules. It’s important to hire a Social Security disability lawyer if you’re facing pushback about your benefits.
Experienced Disability Lawyer in North Carolina
More than 1.3 million residents of North Carolina are disabled. Only 35% are employed. This is typically not because disabled people don’t want to work, but because they’re in too much pain or their basic needs are not being met. Attorney Helton of Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, understands the discrimination and hardships disabled people face every day.
In a world tailored to the healthy and able-bodied, it can be difficult to navigate life for someone with disabilities. They’re meant to be able to seek out help in government programs like SSA, but often find even more difficulties.
With over 23 years of legal experience, Attorney Helton is committed to helping marginalized communities seek the help they deserve. He helps clients living in Burke County, Catawba County, Caldwell County, and surrounding cities.
Social Security Disability Laws and Rules Surrounding Assets
As of 2023, 74,521,000 people were receiving Social Security benefits. Social Security offers two types of benefits. The first is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSDI is based on your work history and contributions to Social Security.
There are no limits on the assets, property, or other resources you own, and your spouse’s income usually does not affect your benefits. You can also have income from other sources, such as:
- Retirement accounts
- Stocks
- Rental income
- Alimony
However, if you are earning too much from work, you may not qualify for this option. The monthly income limit for blind individuals is $2,700. For non-blind individuals, the monthly income limit is $1,620. If you’re over this amount, you can’t get SSDI.
The second option is Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a needs-based program for low-income individuals with limited resources.
To qualify, you must have less than $2,000 in resources if you are single or $3,000 if you are married. Countable resources include:
- Cash
- Money in bank accounts, including savings accounts
- Stocks
- Bonds
- Retirement accounts
If your countable resources exceed the limit at the start of the month, you cannot get SSI for that month. Some things do not count toward the limit, such as:
- Your home
- One car you use for transportation
- Educational grants or scholarships
- Support or energy assistance
- Cash for medical or social services
- Federal tax refunds and credits
- Some trusts
- Burial spaces and funds up to $1,500
- Property used for work
Social Security also considers income from people you live with, like your spouse. Free or reduced housing and meals can also reduce SSI benefits.
ABLE Accounts
An ABLE account is a special savings account for those on SSI. It allows money to be saved and used for expenses related to the disability without affecting eligibility. To open an ABLE account, a person must have a disability that started before age 26.
In 2025, contributions are generally limited to $19,000 per year. Money in an ABLE account can be used for qualified disability expenses, which include:
- Education
- Housing
- Transportation
- Employment support
- Daily living expenses
For SSI, only the first $100,000 in an ABLE account is ignored when calculating resources. Amounts over $100,000 may suspend SSI payments until the balance drops below the limit.
FAQs
Can I Give Away Assets to Qualify for SSI?
If you are trying to sell a resource that puts you over the SSI limit, you may still receive conditional payments, but you must repay benefits for the period in which you were trying to sell it. Giving away or selling resources for less than their value can make you ineligible for payments for up to 36 months.
Do Gifts Affect My SSI Eligibility?
If a gift causes your bank balance to go over $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple, the Social Security Administration may suspend your SSI payments. Cash gifts under $20 per month do not affect your benefits. Any amount over $20 is considered unearned income and may reduce your SSI payment. For instance, if your monthly SSI is $943 and you receive a $500 cash gift, SSA could deduct that amount from your next payment.
What Are Some Alternatives to Gifts That Won’t Affect My SSI Eligibility?
You can ask for non-cash gifts instead of money. SSA does not count one-time non-cash gifts as income. Acceptable gifts include groceries or gift cards for food, clothing, household items, or medical supplies. Avoid gifts like free rent or utilities. SSA may count these as in-kind support and reduce your SSI payment.
What Is PASS?
A PASS is a plan that helps people with disabilities save money or resources to reach a work goal. The money you set aside for your plan is not counted against your SSI. This can help you qualify for SSI. You can use a PASS to pay for work-related expenses like school, supplies, tools, equipment, transportation, uniforms, or childcare.
Hire a Social Security Disability Lawyer to Help Represent You
The team at Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, approaches every new client with the empathy they deserve. We understand how maddening SSA can be for clients and the years it can take to receive benefits. Contact our team today to get started on your case. You deserve to unburden yourself and get the benefits you need to live a happy life.
