Does Social Security income count for ACA?

Asked by: Erling Kilback  |  Last update: September 6, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (41 votes)

The HealthCare.gov application asks whether consumers receive “Social Security benefits.” When answering this question, consumers must report the following Social Security benefits: SSDI, Social Security retirement income, and Social Security survivor's benefits.

Does Social Security count as income under the Affordable Care Act?

So in general, if you have Social Security income that isn't included in your AGI on your tax return, you need to add it to your AGI to get the total household income on which subsidies are based.

What income is used to calculate ACA?

The Marketplace uses a measure of income called Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). It isn't a line on your tax return. Your total household MAGI amount includes countable income for each person listed on your federal income tax return for the year you're getting help paying for coverage.

Does Obamacare take money from Social Security?

Does Social Security Count as Income for Obamacare? Yes, Social Security disability and retirement benefits do count as income when determining whether you qualify for Obamacare and the premium tax credits.

Does Social Security income count as income?

You report the taxable portion of your Social Security benefits on line 6b of Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR. Your benefits may be taxable if the total of (1) one-half of your benefits, plus (2) all of your other income, including tax-exempt interest, is greater than the base amount for your filing status.

Does social security count as income for Obamacare?

28 related questions found

Does Social Security show income?

SSA stores this earnings information as the Master Earnings File ( MEF ) and because it comprises IRS tax data, it is subject to IRS disclosure rules. This file contains data derived from IRS Form W-2, quarterly earnings records, and annual income tax forms.

Does Social Security count as income for extra help?

We will count only part of the applicant's earnings toward the income limit if the applicant: Works; ▪ Receives Social Security benefits based on a disability or blindness; and ▪ Has work-related expenses that are not reimbursed.

What is the highest income to qualify for ACA?

In 2025, you'll typically be eligible for ACA subsidies if you earn between $15,060 and $60,240 as a single person. A family of four is eligible with a household income between $31,200 and $124,800.

What disqualifies you from the premium tax credit?

For tax years other than 2021 and 2022, if your household income on your tax return is more than 400 percent of the federal poverty line for your family size, you are not allowed a premium tax credit and will have to repay all of the advance credit payments made on behalf of you and your tax family members.

Is Social Security considered income for medical?

Income-based Medi-Cal counts most types of earned and unearned income you have. However, some income is not counted, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and some contributions to retirement accounts. Learn more about what types of income affect income-based Medi-Cal eligibility.

What happens if I underestimate my income for Obamacare in 2024?

For the 2024 tax year, if you underestimated your income and received a larger tax credit than you were eligible for, you must repay the difference between the amount of premium tax credit you received and the amount you were eligible for.

How to maximize ACA subsidy?

The gist of optimizing ACA subsidies is this: retirees don't have to be poor; they just need to have low income on their tax return. So, how might a retiree do that? The easiest way to do it is to spend assets you've saved that don't have tax consequences at all in the current tax year, such as cash in the bank.

How can I avoid paying back my premium tax credit?

Report any changes in your income during the year to the Marketplace, so your credit can be adjusted and you can avoid any significant repayments at the end of the year.

How does Affordable Care Act calculate income?

MAGI is adjusted gross income (AGI) plus these, if any: untaxed foreign income, non-taxable Social Security benefits, and tax-exempt interest. to determine the programs and savings you qualify for. For most people, it's identical or very close to Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).

What is not included in the Affordable Care Act?

What Benefits Does the Affordable Care Act Not Cover? The Affordable Care Act does leave two forms of insurance for adults out of its provisions — vision insurance and dental coverage. Although both of these services are considered essential benefits for children under the ACA, they are not included for adults.

Does Social Security count as Medicare income?

In situations where you have Social Security payments in conjunction with an income that meets the tax filing limitations, only the income will be counted toward your total when being considered for income-related medical benefits.

What income is used to determine premium tax credits?

For purposes of the premium tax credit, your household income is your modified adjusted gross income for the year plus that of every other member of your family (see Q6) who is required to file a federal income tax return.

What is the income limit for ACA subsidies in 2024?

In 2024, an individual in a one-person household is eligible for some degree of Covered California subsidies if they earn up to $33,975 Meanwhile, that limit rises to $69,375 for a household size of 4. These numbers refer to your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) as found on line 11 of your Form 1040.

Why is my healthcare.gov premium so high?

Five factors can affect a plan's monthly premium: location, age, tobacco use, plan category, and whether the plan covers dependents. Notice: FYI Your health, medical history, or gender can't affect your premium.

Does social security count as income for Obamacare?

Include both taxable and non-taxable Social Security income. Enter the full amount before any deductions. Include all unemployment compensation that you get from your state.

Why am I not eligible for premium tax credit?

In addition, to be eligible for the premium tax credits, individuals must not be eligible for public coverage—including Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, Medicare, or military coverage—and must not have access to health insurance through an employer.

Do I count my Social Security as income?

85%: Maximum portion of Social Security benefits subject to income taxes. The amount of Social Security you can count on as part of your retirement income is mainly determined by two things: Your Social Security disbursement, which depends on your lifetime earnings and contributions (via Social Security taxes)

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

Specifically, a rumored $16,728 bonus that had people wondering if it was true or not in 2024? Sadly, there's no real “bonus” that retirees who receive Social Security can collect.

When my husband dies, do I get his Social Security and mine?

You cannot claim your deceased spouse's benefits in addition to your own retirement benefits. Social Security only will pay one—survivor or retirement.