Student Earned Income Exclusion 2025

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Do you know about the Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE)?

This is a work incentive for students in the Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. To be eligible, you must be:

  • under age 22 years,
  • regularly attending school, college, or a training program to prepare for a paying job*,
  • and working.

If these conditions are met, Social Security will exclude up to $2,350 per month of your earnings. There is an annual maximum exclusion of $9,460 (2025).

SSI Payments and the SEIE

Social Security will exclude earnings $1 for $1 of your earned income up to the maximum thresholds. The result is a higher SSI payment. Some students maintain the full Federal SSI payment while using the Student Earned Income Exclusion.

How to Request SEIE

If you think you are eligible, contact your local Social Security office or talk to a work incentive benefits specialist. Social Security will ask for proof of student status. For proof, you can submit grades, enrollment, class schedules, etc. In some cases, Social Security will send you a form to complete.

*Regularly Attending School

The definition of “regularly attending school” is to take one or more courses of study, and attend class:

  • For grades 7-12, at least 12 hours per week.
  • In a college or university, at least 8 hours per week.
  • In a training course to prepare for employment, at least 12 hours per week (15 hours per week if the course involves shop practice).

If you are home taught:

  • For grades 7-12, attending at least 12 hours per week.
  • Receiving instruction in accordance with a home school law of the state or other jurisdiction in which you reside.

If you are home taught because of a disability:

  • For grades 7-12, studying a course or courses given by a school.
  • In a college or university, studying a course or courses given by a college, university, or government agency.
  • Having a home visitor or tutor who directs the study.

Holidays and Breaks

You can maintain eligibility for the SEIE during break from school. This is true as long as you intend to return to school after the break. Earnings from summer jobs between school years can be excluded. SEIE ends when you stop attending school or reach age 22.

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