There has only been a 24.24% increase in the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) monthly student earned income exclusion cap between 2002 and 2024. Notably, working student income and necessary expenses have gone up significantly since then. Tuition and required fees have increased immensely, going from roughly \$8,000 to \$13,600 according to the NCES. With a considerably low exclusion change relative to inflation, students thus have to report more income, leading to a greater loss of benefits with a bigger financial impact today.

Changes in Student Earned Income Exclusion Since 2002

As of 2024, the Social Security Administration (SSA) Student Earned Income Exclusion allows working students with disabilities to exclude up to \$1,640 of earned income per month, up to an annual maximum limit of \$6,600.

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In 2002, the SSA allowed students under 22, who attended school and met the criteria, to exclude up to \$1,320 of earned income per month. Hence, students could earn up to \$5,340 per year and not have their SSI benefits reduced. The exclusion is applied only to earned income until it reaches the monthly and annual limits. Necessary documentation regarding educational attendance and monthly earnings must be provided.

SSA Student Earned Income Exclusion as of 2002

Golden, T. P., & Jones, M. A. (n.d.). SSI and Postsecondary Education Support for Students with Disabilities.

SSI and Postsecondary Education Support for Students with Disabilities

After the exhaustion of the student earned income exclusion, additional income exclusions for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are possible. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two additional exclusions: an Earned Income Disregard of \$65 from countable earnings, and a General Income Exclusion of \$20 applied to unearned income or, if there is no unearned income, to remaining countable income.

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