Understanding Supplemental Security Income
SSI Spotlight on Student Earned Income Exclusion
2008 Edition

This provision allows a person who is under age 22 and regularly attending school to exclude earnings from incomeincome.

	In January 2007, the amounts increased to $1,510 monthly up to a yearly maximum of $6,100.
	In January 2008, the amounts increased to $1,550 monthly up to a yearly maximum of $6,240.

We adjust the monthly amount and the yearly limit annually, based on any increases in the cost–of–living index.

We apply this exclusion before any other exclusion.

"Regularly attending school" means that the person takes one or more courses of study and attends 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, such as illness.

A person who is homebound because of a disability may be a student when he or she:

	studies a course or courses given by a school (grades 7–12), college, university, or government agency; and
	has a home visitor or tutor from school who directs the study or training.

Other SSI work incentives such as Plans to Achieve Self–Support (PASS)Plans to Achieve Self–Support (PASS), work expense exclusionswork expense exclusions, and continued Medicaid coveragecontinued Medicaid coverage may help an SSI beneficiary while working.