How is money I receive for participating in a clinical trial treated if I receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
We exclude up to $2,000 per calendar year from SSI income and resources you receive as compensation for participating in some clinical trials. For us to exclude the money you receive, the clinical trial must:
- Focus on research and testing of medical treatment;
- Target a rare disease or condition (e.g., Lou Gehrig's disease, Cystic Fibrosis or Duchenne muscular dystrophy); and
- Be reviewed and approved by an institutional review board.
Rare diseases are defined by the Orphan Drug Act of 1983 and affect less than 200,000 people. Some examples of rare diseases are Lou Gehrig's disease, Cystic Fibrosis or Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
In some cases, we also may exclude money you receive as reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs such as money you paid to travel to the clinical trial.
Let us know right away if you receive money for participation in a clinical trial. We will ask to see proof of the clinical trial and the money you received. Be sure to keep all forms you receive for your participation in the clinical trial; for example, keep the informed consent form you signed before beginning the clinical trial.
More Information
Rare Diseases and Related Terms
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