Supplental Security Income

• Living on the modest income of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) leaves most people wondering how they will make ends meet. SSI provides monthly income for basic needs for elderly, blind or disabled individuals. Trying to supplement income by investing in the stock market may result in a loss of benefits.
  
  

Cash Limits

• According to the Social Security Administration, individuals who qualify for SSI must maintain less than $2,000 in assets ($3,000 for married couples) to maintain benefits. Assets are considered anything, including stocks, that can be liquidated for immediate use.
  
  

SSI and the Stock Market

• While it is tempting to find a way to subsidize the small income provided by SSI, the risks of losing benefits should be weighed carefully before making a decision. There is no rule stating that an SSI recipient cannot invest in stocks to supplement income, but he or she needs to be careful not to exceed regulatory limits.