What is the Student Earned Income Exclusion?
The Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) is a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) work incentive that is applied before any other earned income related exclusions. It allows students who have disabilities and are receiving SSI to have up to $1,820 per month of their wages excluded when calculating their SSI budget for up to a maximum of $7,350 per year. Once the individual reaches either his or her monthly or yearly maximum amount, the normal SSI budgeting rules will apply.
Who Qualifies for SEIE?
In order 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
- 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 is unable to 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 tell the representative that they are currently enrolled in school. Social Security will likely ask the beneficiary's educational institution for proof of enrollment before the SEIE can be applied.
2018 Changes
Beginning in January 2018, the amount a beneficiary can exclude increased to $1,820 per month or $7,350 per year.
This article was contributed by Michael Klinger, Work Incentives Specialist for the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services. For more information on SEIE or any other benefits related questions, contact Michael Klinger at 434-298-7652 or Michael.klinger@dars.virginia.gov