SSI Work Incentives

Impairment Related Work Expenses

If you have expenses that are related to your disability or a serious medical condition, and that you need to pay yourself in order to be able to work, you can ask Social Security to deduct these expenses when they are calculating your income to figure out the amount of SSI you can get. These are called Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWEs). IRWEs are a work incentive in both the SSI and SSDI programs.

You need to make a request to Social Security to use IRWEs. A Social Security representative will have to approve the items that you want counted as an Impairment Related Work Expense. If you have any questions about IRWEs or about how to tell Social Security about them, Chat with a Hub expert.

Read more about IRWEs on DB101.

Blind Work Expenses (BWEs)

Blind Work Expenses (BWE) are a work incentive that are similar to IRWEs. BWEs can only be used by individuals who receive SSI benefits and are blind.

Many expenses that you pay for yourself when you work can be counted as BWEs. If the BWEs are approved, Social Security will deduct these expenses from your income when they are calculating how much SSI you are eligible for. If you have any questions about BWEs or about how to tell Social Security about them, Chat with a Hub expert.

Read more about BWEs on DB101.

Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE)

The Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) helps students keep more of their SSI check while they work and are in school.

To be eligible for the SEIE you must be:

• Under age 22
• Regularly attending school (some restrictions apply here)
• Receiving SSI payments, and
• Working

In 2024, a student who qualifies for the SEIE can earn up to $2,290 per month in wages before there is a reduction to their SSI check. This means up to $2,290 of income each month can be excluded when figuring out your SSI benefit. There is a maximum exclusion of $9,230 per year in 2024.

Talk to a Social Security representative if you qualify for the Student Earned Income Exclusion. Read more about the SEIE on DB101.