Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE)

1. Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) The Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) is designed specifically to help students under the age of 22 to keep more of their SSI check while they gain critical work experience. To qualify as a student for purposes of the exclusion, individuals must take one or more courses of study and attend classes in a college or university for at least eight hours a week. A person who is homebound because of a disability may still qualify as a student when he or she studies a course or courses given by a school (grades 7-12), college, university, or government agency, and has a home visitor or tutor from school who directs the study or training. In terms of work, an SSI recipient who meets these requirements can earn up to $1,640 per month in wages (2010) before there is any reduction to their SSI check. There is a maximum exclusion of $6,600 per year (2010).

2. Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) - Example Vicky is a 21-year-old college student who receives SSI. She receives $550 per month at her job in the Universities computer lab. $550 (Wages) -550 (Student Earned Income Exclusion) = $0 (Countable Income for SSI) $674 (SSI Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) 2010) - $0 (Countable Income) = $674 (SSI Payment using the SEIE) Without using the SEIE, Vicky's SSI payment would be reduced to $441.50, because of her earnings. She will be able to exclude $550 per month through the SEIE for 12 full months when she reaches the maximum annual exclusion ($6,640 in 2010). Total Monthly Income: $550 $674 -------- $1,224

4. One Important Tool for SSI Recipients Section 1619(b), you may continue to be eligible for Medicaid coverage. If a beneficiary is eligible under section 1619, they can receive a SSI cash benefit for up to 2 months while in a Medicaid facility or a public medical or psychiatric facility.

5. 1619(b): When you exceed the SGA level you can still remain eligible for Medicaid benefits! • Georgia Threshold: $27,509 • California Threshold: $35,023 • For all state thresholds: http://www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/1619b.htm If you Surpass the Threshold you can Deduct: • Impairment-related work expenses; or • Blind work expenses; or • A plan to achieve self-support; or • Personal attendant whose fees are publicly funded; or • Medical expenses above the average State amount. Work and Still receive Medicaid Eligibility!

6. Medicaid Buy-In Program • Provides full scope Medicaid to disabled individuals who work and have income that is too high to qualify for other Medicaid categories. • Earned income requirements: • California: $55,000, less than 250% of the Federal Poverty Level • Alaska: less than 250% of the Federal Poverty Level • Georgia: less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level • Participants pay sliding scale of income as premium • You don't have to be using SSI, SSDI or any other benefit program to qualify • As little as 20 dollars per week

8. Employment “The best form of advocacy is one’s career!” - Hamza Jaka

9. Work Experiences That Count! Work experience leads to transitioning off benefits and building a financial future.

10. Reliable, Dependable Information The right information in the right hands at the right time… www.db101.org

11. Benefits Calculators

12. Earned Income Tax Credit

13. Get a Bank Account Banks and credit unions offer free and low-cost checking accounts Save a little with each paycheck and set aside in a linked savings account The savings can help avoid predatory lenders when an emergency arises Free bill pay