Work Study and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Just the Facts

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is essentially a needs-based welfare program. As a needs-based program, SSI must consider the income and resources of the individual applicant or recipient. The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) discusses both income and resources at length. When considering Work Study income it is necessary to consult the CFRs, the Program Operation Manual System (POMS), as well as other federal law. Income is defined as anything the recipient receives in cash or in kind that can be used to meet the need for food, clothing and shelter (20 CFR 416.1102). As Work Study programs provide wages to the working student that can be used to meet basic needs, at first blush, these wages raise a concern as to the impact on SSI benefits. The CFRs continued to discuss income in terms of "countable" and "excluded." The regulations discuss excluded income at 20 CFR 416. 1112. SSA will not count earned income that has been excluded by other federal laws.