Not everything an individual receives is considered to be income for SSI purposes. Generally, if the item received cannot be used as, or to obtain, food or shelter, it will not be considered as income. For example, if someone pays an individual's medical bills, or offers free medical care, or if the individual receives money from a social services agency that is a repayment of an amount he/she previously spent, that value is not considered income to the individual. In addition, some items that are considered to be income are excluded when determining the amount of an individual's payment.

A detailed list of the income exclusions can be found in section V.B of the SSI Annual Report.

Principal unearned income exclusions

• The first $20 per month
• Income set aside or being used to pursue a plan for achieving self-support by a disabled or blind individual
• State or local assistance based on need that is wholly funded by the state or local area in the state
• Rent subsidies under HUD programs and the value of supplemental nutrition assistance (formerly referred to as food stamps)
• The first $60 of infrequent or irregularly received income in a quarter

Principal earned income exclusions

• The first $65 per month and any unused portion of the $20 unearned income exclusion, plus one-half of the remainder
• Impairment-related work expenses of the disabled and work expenses of the blind
• Income set aside or being used to pursue a plan for achieving self-support by a disabled or blind individual
• The first $30 of infrequent or irregularly received income in a quarter

For more information about SSI payment computations and the treatment of income, see "Understanding SSI Income".