Let’s get started with the basics
If you’re receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), it’s because you have limited income and resources. SSI is meant to help disabled, blind, or 65-and-older people with little to no income to get by on for food, clothes, and a place to live.
Now here’s the question everyone wants to know: What if I go to work? Do I have to report my wage to Social Security?
The short and simple answer is: yes. Under the law, if you are getting SSI and you work—no matter how briefly—you must report your earnings to Social Security.
But hold on, I’m going to walk you through the why, the how, and what it really does to your paycheck.
Why do you have to report your earnings?
Think of SSI as a need-based programme. It’s not similar to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is based on the work credits you earned in the past. Under SSI, how much you earn now can affect how much money you receive every month.
If Social Security doesn’t know about your earnings or job, they might send you more money than you deserve. They’ll get it back from you later—trust me, it can be really stressful.
Reporting keeps your benefits accurate, prevents overpayments, and keeps you in good standing with Social Security.
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How your SSI check changes when you work
This is the part that surprises people: just because you are employed doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll lose all your SSI. Social Security makes provisions that actually let you keep some of your SSI while continuing to earn from your job.
Here’s the simple explanation:
- The first $20 of any income you might receive does not count.
- The first $65 of wages you earn each month also does not count.
- Then Social Security counts only half of the remaining income.
Let’s say you work part-time and make $500 in a month. Social Security won’t count $85 ($20 + $65). That’s $415. They count only half of it—so $207.50. That is taken out of your SSI check.
So certain, your SSI goes down, yet you still receive more cash in the end because you get to keep your paycheck.
When and how to report your wages
Knowing why you should report, let’s talk about how to report.
You need to report your income to Social Security every month. The money you earn in a month affects your SSI benefit two months later. For example, your January paycheck will change your March SSI.
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There are a few ways you can be ok:
- By using the free SSI Mobile Wage Reporting app (for iPhone and Android).
- Over the phone by using Social Security’s toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213.
- Online through your my Social Security account.
- By visiting or mailing your in-town Social Security office.
Most individuals enjoy the app or account on the Internet because it’s fast and gives you a receipt right away.
What happens if you don’t report?
Here’s the bad part: if you don’t report your earnings to Social Security, it will come back to haunt you.
If they overpay you, they will send you a notice and ask you to repay the overpayment. They can even withhold your future SSI checks in some cases until they receive the overpayment.
And if they think you deliberately didn’t report, it could even constitute fraud. You don’t want that either.
So it is always safer—and less anxiety-producing—to report your income on time.
Why working while on SSI can still be a good thing
I know that it’s a little scary to think about possibly losing some of your SSI. Remember, though, that the intention behind SSI is so that you have a safety net, not so that you’re blocked from earning.
Working can gain you more money, make you more independent, and sometimes even give you perks like health insurance from your job. And with how the system works, you usually end up having more money in total by working even if your SSI check goes down.
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Stay honest, stay secure
So let’s go back to the original question: If I work and get SSI, do I have to report my earnings to Social Security?
The answer is a clear, obvious YES. It’s the law, and it’s for your own protection.
Here’s what you need to remember:
- Report wages each month.
- Use the app, call, online account, or local office.
- Don’t worry—working won’t deprive you of all your benefits.
- Don’t think of SSI as your only source of income.
- Think of it as an addition,
By keeping your Social Security current, you are in control of your benefits and avoid headaches down the road.
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