Earned Income

Earned income is "wages from a job, including earnings for self-employment. Earned income can also include payments for services performed in workshop or work activities center and other royalties earned in connection with publication of the individual's work or honoraria received for services rendered."

Earned income differs from other types of income including Social Security benefits, pensions, state disability payments, unemployment benefits, interest income, and cash from friends and relatives. It also differs from in kind income like shelter and food or deemed income you receive from your spouse or parent.

According to the SSA, the more income you have the less Supplemental Security Income you will be entitled to receive. In fact, if you make too much income you will not be eligible to receive SSI benefits. Other types of income such as deemed income can also be considered when calculating your benefits.