What is the Student Earned Income Exclusion?
The Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) is a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) work incentive applied before any other earned income-related exclusions. It allows students who have disabilities and are receiving SSI to have up to $2,290 per month of their wages excluded when calculating their SSI check up to a maximum of $9,230 per year. Once the individual reaches their monthly or yearly maximum amount, the standard SSI budgeting rules will apply.
Who Qualifies for SEIE?
For a student to qualify for the SEIE, they must:
- Be receiving SSI benefits
- Be under age 22
- Be enrolled in school (up to grade 12) for 12 hours a week or more
- Be enrolled in college for 8 hours a week or more
- Be in an approved job training course for 12 hours a week or more
Special Conditions
The student doesn't necessarily have to be in the classroom to qualify for the SEIE. If the student receives home instruction for at least 12 hours a week or cannot regularly attend school due to illness or disability, they may still qualify for the exclusion.
How Does One Apply?
When the beneficiary reports their wages to Social Security for the first time, they should request the SEIE in writing using SSA’s statement of claimant form or writing a letter. With the letter, they will also need to provide enrollment documentation in a school or a training program. Examples of approved documentation include a class schedule or a statement from the student’s institution (on letterhead) verifying enrollment.
This article was contributed by Michael Klinger, Work Incentives Specialist for the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services. For more information on SEIE or any other benefits related questions, contact Michael Klinger at 434-989-5782 or Michael.klinger@dars.virginia.gov.