Student Earned Income Exclusion

The Student Earned Exclusion (SEIE) is a special earned income deduction for students under 22 who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and earn income while attending school.  The SEIE allows students to keep more or all of their SSI checks by not counting earned wages against them. This is a real incentive for students who are SSI recipients to gain work experience while in school. Social Security considers students to be “regularly attending school” as they are taking one or more courses of study and attending classes in grades 7-12, including those enrolled in DNUSD Transition School, for at least 12 hours a week. If students are homeschooled because of disability, they may be considered “regularly attending school” by studying a course or courses given by a school or by having a home visit or tutor who directs the study.

• In 2024, if a student receives SSI  benefits, is under 22, and regularly attends a school, Social Security will exclude up to $2,290 per month of their earned income. The maximum yearly exclusion is $9,230. The Social Security Administration adjusts that monthly amount and the annual limit annually based on any increases in the cost-of-living index. 

PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW TO REPORT EARNINGS:

If students receive SSI and start working through the DNCOE Transition Partnership Program (TPP), DNUSD WorkAbility I (WAI) Program, or secure a job independently, they must report their earnings to the Social Security Administration. To request the Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) contact our program at 707-464-0281.  

STEP ONE:

 The SEIE letter is to be written on the school or business letterhead by a school employee or a business employee and state the following information: 

• Student Name 

• Date of Birth 

• Name of the high school they are enrolled in 

• Current School Year

• Number of hours they attend school

Letters from TPP/WorkAbility I can be obtained by contacting the program office directly at 707-464-0281 or emailing the program supervisor at nstrnad@dnusd.org. After you have the letter, proceed to step 2.

STEP TWO: 

Ask the student's employer for their EIN number to give to the Social Security Office.

• Call, log in, or create an account at www.ssa.gov 

• Once your account is set up, call 1-855-727-3600 or visit our local Social Security office to add the wage reporting portal to the student's online account. Another option is to download the Social Security Administration's wage reporting app to your cell phone.

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION OFFICE

560 E Hoover Ave.
Crescent City, CA 95531
Monday- Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM 
Phone: 1-855-727-3600
TTY: 1-800-325-0778