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Loans for Disability & SSI Recipients

SSDI, SSI, VA and private disability income all qualify. One point specific to SSI is worth reading before you apply.

Disability income qualifies for a loan with us, whether it comes from Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income, a VA disability award or a private policy. There is one point specific to SSI that most lenders will not raise with you, and it matters enough to put near the top of this page.

Key loan informationDetails
Loan amount$200 – $5,000
Term14 days to 24 months
Representative APR17.99% – 400% depending on product
Qualifying incomeSSDI, SSI, VA disability, private disability
ProofAward letter, SSA-1099, VA letter or bank deposits
CollateralNone required
Credit checkSoft inquiry, no FICO® impact
FundingSame or next business day
If you receive SSI, check the resource limit firstSSI is means-tested and has a resource limit, which for most recipients is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Loan proceeds are generally not counted as income in the month you receive them, but money you still hold at the start of the following month can count as a resource and affect your eligibility. If you are borrowing an amount that would leave you holding more than the limit past month-end, speak to the Social Security Administration before you apply. This does not affect SSDI, VA disability or private disability income.

Proving disability income

  • Your Social Security award or benefit verification letter
  • Form SSA-1099 from the previous year
  • A VA benefit summary letter, available through eBenefits
  • A private insurer's benefit statement
  • Bank statements showing the monthly deposit, usually verified electronically

Protections you should know about

Federal law prohibits credit discrimination on the basis of receiving public assistance income, which includes disability benefits. It also gives Social Security and SSI payments broad protection from ordinary creditor garnishment, with narrow exceptions. A lender that treats benefit income as disqualifying, or that asks for control of the account your benefits are paid into, is not one to proceed with. See how to spot a loan scam.

Free help worth checking first

Several programs cover the costs disability recipients most often borrow for, and they do not need repaying.

  • Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help for premiums and prescription costs
  • LIHEAP for heating and cooling bills, through your state energy office
  • State assistive technology programs, which often lend or subsidise equipment
  • 211 for local help with rent, food and utilities

Which product fits

SituationProduct
A bill before the next payment datePayday loan, $200–$1,000
Medical equipment or a home adaptationInstallment loan, $500–$5,000
A vehicle repairCar repair loan

Eligibility

  • 18 or older and resident in a state where we lend
  • At least $1,000 a month in verifiable income, including benefits
  • An active checking account in your name, open at least 30 days
  • Government-issued ID and a Social Security number

Related pages

Social Security recipients, bad credit loans, and cheaper alternatives.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a loan on disability income?

Yes. SSDI, SSI, VA disability and private disability benefits all count as qualifying income. Federal law also prohibits credit discrimination on the basis of receiving public assistance income.

Will a loan affect my SSI benefits?

Loan proceeds are generally not counted as income in the month you receive them, but money you still hold at the start of the following month can count toward the SSI resource limit, which is $2,000 for most individuals and $3,000 for a couple. Speak to the Social Security Administration before borrowing an amount that would leave you above the limit past month-end. This does not affect SSDI or VA disability.

What proof of disability income is accepted?

A Social Security award or benefit verification letter, an SSA-1099, a VA benefit summary letter, a private insurer's statement, or bank deposits verified electronically.

Can creditors take my disability benefits?

Social Security and SSI payments have broad federal protection from ordinary creditor garnishment, with narrow exceptions such as federal taxes and child support. A lender asking for control of the account your benefits are paid into is a warning sign.

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