Which of the following criteria must an individual meet to use the Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE)?

The Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) is designed to assist students with disabilities by allowing them to exclude a certain amount of their earned income from their eligibility calculations for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To qualify for the SEIE, an individual must meet specific criteria, including being a student who is actively working and attending school.

The correct answer indicates that the individual must be under 22 years old, engaged in work, and attending school regularly. This aligns with the program's intention to support young individuals who are balancing education and employment. By requiring both school attendance and employment, the SEIE fosters a supportive environment for students to gain work experience while not penalizing them for their earnings during this critical phase of their lives.

The age limit of 22 is significant because it reflects the program’s focus on younger students, considering that many educational paths extend into this age range. The requirement of attending school regularly ensures that the exclusion fosters a balance where individuals can work without affecting their education negatively.

In contrast, the other options do not fully encompass all the essential criteria established for the SEIE. For instance, being under 21 but not simultaneously attending school does not fulfill the requirements. Similarly, being over 18 or living independently while working full-time