What Is a Student Earned Income Exclusion?
Student Earned Income Exclusion — also called Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE), SEIE
A Student Earned Income Exclusion is an SSI rule that lets students under 22 exclude a large share of their earnings from the SSI calculation, so working in school does not cut their check.
Official source: ssa.gov
What the SEIE does
The Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) lets SSI recipients under age 22 who are regularly attending school exclude a major chunk of their earned income before SSA calculates the SSI benefit reduction.
In 2026, the SEIE allows up to $2,290 per month of earned income to be excluded, up to an annual maximum of $9,230.
Who qualifies
You must be:
- An SSI recipient.
- Under age 22.
- Regularly attending school, meaning:
- At least 8 hours/week in college or vocational training, OR
- At least 12 hours/week in grades 7 through 12, OR
- Supervised home schooling that meets state requirements.
How it stacks
The SEIE is applied before the standard SSI income exclusions, which makes it especially powerful. After the SEIE, SSA still applies:
- $20 general income exclusion.
- $65 earned income exclusion.
- The 50% earned income disregard on what remains.
A young SSI recipient earning $1,500/month in 2026 can often keep their full SSI check thanks to the SEIE.
Why it matters
The SEIE removes the biggest disincentive for SSI youth to take a first job, an internship, or a summer position. Early work experience boosts long-term outcomes.
What to report
- Earnings each month.
- Proof of school enrollment and attendance.
- Any changes to your school status.
Also known as
Frequently asked questions about Student Earned Income Exclusion
Does the SEIE apply if I am 22 or older?+
No. You must be under age 22 for the entire month you want the exclusion to apply.
What counts as regularly attending school?+
At least 8 hours/week in college or vocational training, at least 12 hours/week in grades 7-12, or qualifying home schooling supervised by the state.
Does the SEIE apply during summer break?+
Yes, if SSA expects you to return to school after the break.
Can I combine the SEIE with an ABLE account?+
Yes. The SEIE reduces countable income for SSI, and qualifying ABLE distributions are generally excluded as well.
Do I have to apply for the SEIE?+
No. SSA applies it automatically when you report wages and your school status. Always update SSA on enrollment and attendance.
Source: ssa.gov