The Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) allows a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to earn additional income without reducing their SSI check. To qualify for this exclusion, a beneficiary must be:
- Under age 22; and
- Regularly attending school.
There is both a monthly limit and an annual limit on the exclusion. Until a limit is reached, work income can be disregarded for the purposes of calculating the SSI benefit. They are adjusted each year based on the cost of living, as shown on the table below.
| Year | Monthly Maximum | Annual Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $1,780 | $7,180 |
| 2014 | $1,750 | $7,060 |
| 2013 | $1,730 | $6,960 |
| 2012 | $1,700 | $6,840 |
| 2011 | $1,640 | $6,600 |
| 2010 | $1,640 | $6,600 |
| 2009 | $1,640 | $6,600 |
| 2008 | $1,550 | $6,240 |
| 2007 | $1,510 | $6,100 |
| 2006 | $1,460 | $5,910 |
| 2005 | $1,410 | $5,670 |
| 2004 | $1,370 | $5,520 |
| 2003 | $1,340 | $5,410 |
| 2002 | $1,320 | $5,340 |
| 2001 | $1,290 | $5,200 |
| 2000 and earlier | $400 | $1,620 |
In addition, scholarships or grants are not counted when calculating SSI payments.
What is the definition of “regularly attending school?”
To be eligible for this income exclusion, children must be regularly attending school, meaning they take one or more courses of study and attend classes:
- In a college or university for at least eight hours a week; or
- In grades 7-12 for at least 12 hours a week; or
- In a training course to prepare for employment for at least 12 hours a week (15 hours a week if the course involves shop practice); or
- For less time than indicated above for reasons beyond the student’s control, for example illness.
If children are home schooled because of a disability, they may be considered “regularly attending school” when instructed at home:
- In grades 7-12, and
- At least 12 hours per week, and
- In accordance with your state’s home school law.