Currently the maximum monthly SSI benefit amount is $710. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and start working, your monthly SSI benefit amount may be reduced. If you begin working you will need to inform the Social Security Administration (SSA) right way so that they may calculate any possible deductions from your payments.
You will also need to continue to report your monthly income to the SSA. Failure to report your income to the SSA may result in an overpayment. If you are overpaid you will likely be required to pay those benefits back.
For SSI beneficiaries who are working, the SSA will disregard the first $65 of earned income. If you have no other source of income besides your SSI benefits, the SSA will disregard the first $85 of earned income. For any earned income above this level, your benefits will be reduced $1 for every $2 dollars earned. This deduction is based on gross income.
For example, if you are working and earn $500 per month gross income, the deduction would be $217.50.
$500 – $65 = $435/2 = $217.50
However, if you incur any impairment related work expenses (IRWE), the deduction may not be as large. Examples of IRWE’s are medications, medical devices, service animals and medical treatment you require to work. If you have any IRWE the SSA will deduct the value of these expenses prior to calculating the value of your benefits. More information on IRWE’s can be found in POMS Section: DI 10520.001 Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE).
Please check out the SSA’s article “Effect of work on SSI disability benefits.”
