Wage Reporting for SSI Beneficiaries
What is Wage Reporting?
Wage reporting is when you give information about your earnings to the Social Security Administration (SSA), so that they can accurately calculate your SSI payments. Wage reporting should be done whenever you earn income, or you may get inaccurate SSI payments, which can result in owing money back to SSA. This is called an overpayment.
When You Begin Working or Change Jobs...
With SSI, you must tell SSA when you start a new job. Report your new job, or change of job, to SSA by the 6th of the month after you get your first payment. Call 1-800-772-1213 or go by your local Social Security office. Be ready to provide information about your employer and the amount of your gross wages (before taxes). Ask to be set up with one of the options for monthly wage reporting.
Work Incentives
If you are using work incentives, you will need to notify SSA. If you have Impairment Related Work Expenses or Blind Work Expenses, you must provide receipts. If you are using the Student Earned Income Exclusion, you may need to provide a proof of enrollment letter from your school.
Options for Ongoing Wage Reporting
With SSI, you must report your earnings every month. By the 6th of each month, report your gross wages (before taxes) that you got in the previous month. There are several ways to report monthly. Below is a description of each option. When you report your new job, ask Social Security to get you set up with the option that works best for you.
Automated Phone System
SSA can set you up to report wages each month using the automated telephone wage reporting system by calling 866-772-0953. You cannot report work incentives using this method.
SSA Mobile Wage Reporting App
You can submit your paystubs using the SSA Mobile Wage Reporting App, available in the Apple App Store or Google Play. You cannot report work incentives using this method.
Online mySSA Account
You can report your gross wages through your online MySSA account. You cannot report work incentives using this method.
By Mail
You can submit your paystubs and evidence of work incentives by mail to your local SSA office. You can report work incentives using this method.
In Office
You can go to your local SSA office and drop off your paystubs and evidence of work incentives. You can report work incentives using this method.
Learn more about wage reporting:
SSA: Report Monthly Wages and Other Income
Have questions?
If you have questions about wage reporting, ask a coach! Click the button to ask your questions and we’ll do our best to get back to you within 3 business days. If your situation is complex, we may ask you to schedule a free session so that we can give you the best information possible. If your question falls outside our expertise, we may refer you to someone else who can help.