What income does not count for SSI?


Editorial team Published on

Review the Income Exclusions for SSI Program to see specific guidelines from the Social Security Administration on what money is left uncounted. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) does not count all money or support you receive when deciding if you qualify or figuring out your monthly payment amount.

Unearned Income Exclusions

Unearned income is money you get from sources other than a job, like pensions, government benefits, or cash gifts.

  • General $20 Exclusion: The first $20 of any unearned income each month is not counted.
  • Infrequent/Irregular Income: The first $60 of unearned income received infrequently or irregularly in a calendar quarter is ignored.
  • Assistance Based on Need: Need-based assistance funded entirely by a state or local government is excluded.
  • Educational Funds: Grants, scholarships, or fellowships used to pay for tuition and school fees do not count.
  • Food and SNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP / food stamps) benefits and home energy assistance are excluded.

Earned Income Exclusions

Earned income is money you make from working, such as wages or net earnings from self-employment.

  • The $65 + Half Rule: The first $65 of earned income each month plus half of the remaining amount is not counted (applied after the $20 general exclusion if unused).
  • Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE): Students under age 22 who regularly attend school can exclude up to $2,410 per month (in 2026), up to a yearly maximum of $9,730.
  • Work Expenses: Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) for disabled individuals and Blind Work Expenses (BWE) are subtracted from earnings.

Special Savings and Work Incentives

  • Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS): Income set aside under an approved PASS plan to reach a specific work goal (like going to school or starting a business) does not count.