EITC and Other Programs

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

You must have some form of earned income to qualify for an EITC. Social Security benefits do not count as earned income under the program. You can, however, be on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and claim an EITC as long as you have some form of earned income, including income from self-employment.

Long-Term Disability Insurance

Employer-paid long-term disability insurance benefits received prior to retirement count as earned income under the EITC and can therefore be used to qualify for the program. Disability insurance benefits for which you pay the premiums, or that you receive post-retirement, are not considered earned income and cannot be used to qualify for an EITC.

Individual Development Accounts (IDAs)

Money received from an EITC can be deposited into an Individual Development Account and matched.

Plans to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)

Money received from an EITC can be set aside in a PASS.