Beijing, China at Tiananmen Square

Visiting Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China where they recently marked the 20th anniversary of the military crackdown on student protesters who gathered demanding democracy. Tiananmen Square is the world’s largest public square, and the very heart of modern China. Oddly, we lunched at a McDonald’s nearby which sported a “famous western people” theme – including images of Jim Morrison and Sean Connery. Not exactly what I expected. Speaking of students…here’s a question I recently received:

Hi Ben:

I have a follow-up question to the presentation John Benbow did at the last WDBN meeting. If a person is using a Student Earned Income Exclusion, should they avoid using the telephone reporting system?

Thanks!
Stephanie

Here’s my response

Stephanie,

Social Security’s SSI Automated Telephone Wage Reporting system (SSITWR) does have certain technical limitations, but a recipient having the Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) work incentive can still use the new telephone system.

On the other hand, if a recipient has Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) or a Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS) work incentives reporting via phone is an exclusion. Someone with multiple employers in a month is also an exclusion.

For clarification or more details, contact your local Social Security office.

Ben